Smart-Manila unscathed in NBTC D-League

MANILA, Philippines - Four players scored in double figures as Smart-Manila posted its seventh straight win recently in the NCR division of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Mike Tolomia topscored for Smart-Manila with 16 points while Terrence Romeo had 13, Russel Escoto 11 and Dave Moralde 10 as their team rapped B-MEG Integra Manila, 91-66, in the under-18 tournament backed by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas headed by Manny Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala.

Kevin Ferrer and Mark Cruz had 18 and 13, respectively, while Kyle Neypes had 10 for the B-MEG team, which now carries an even 4-4 card in the tournament also supported by Smart Communications, San Miguel Purefoods Company and Burlington.

Youth For Change kept abreast of the leaders with an 86-75 win over Nilo Cares Antipolo for a 5-1 win-loss record. Jay Javelosa had 13, Paolo Romero 12, Andrew Allonte 11 and Kiefer Ravena 10 for the Youth for Change squad while Ruzzel Colmenar spearheaded Nilo Cares (2-5) with 14 markers.

Nokia NBTC D-League envisions the development of fundamentally sound players for leagues like the UAAP, NCAA, Philippine Basketball League, Philippine Basketball Association and the Liga Pilipinas.