Junior Altas annex NGBL championship

MANILA, Philippines — The Perpetual Junior Altas put up a great fightback effort and carved out a 96-93 win over the National U Bullpups to claim the crown in the inaugural season of the Next Generation Basketball League Saturday at the MGC Gym in Taguig City.

Jericho Cristino delivered a clutch performance with five three-pointers and a total of 21 points in leading the Junior Altas past the Bullpups in the winner-take-all face-off. Cristino was later named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

The Bullpups, finalists in UAAP Season 86, dominated early on, taking the half at 55-48 and leading by as big as 14, 69-55, before the Junior Altas got their act together, unleashing a strong closing punch for the championship.

The two teams engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle from a 74-all count before point guard Icee Callangan struck a dagger trey to win it for the team of coach Joph Cleopas and team manager Anton Tamayo.

The Junior Altas took home the elegant trophy and the P300,000 cash prize, with Jan Roluna winning the Season MVP honors.

“We will bring this championship experience to NCAA Season 100,” said Cleopas, lauding his players including Lebron Jhames Daep, Aries Borja, Kelsey Baldoria, JD Pagulayan, Lance Nitura, Aethon Salvo, Isiah Pelegria, Kurt Velasquez, Kirbey Borbon, Kurt Patalinghug, Kakai Zamoras, Hanz Candido, Felix Corpuz, Renzo Zanoria, Loiue Rosales and Pertjude Binagatan.

The Junior Altas swept the tournament’s elims (8-0) before defeating the UE Junior Warriors, 90-76, in the semis.