MANILA, Philippines - Smart-Olongapo became the second team after Smart-Laguna to enter the national finals after it annexed the North Luzon crown of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League recently at the SBMA gym in Olongapo City.
The Volunteers completed a five-game sweep, including a 77-65 win over Angeles City in the finals of the three-day event backed by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corp. under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Lomell Loyola, named Most Valuable Player, was a steadying presence for his team with six points while teammates Armando Timpog (17 points), Raphael Galang (16) and Jomas Andrada took scoring honors in the game also supported by San Miguel Pure Foods Co., Smart Communications and Burlington. Tristan Perez led the second placers with 16 points.
Making up the mythical five were Carmelo Barrera and Timpog of Olongapo, Vincent Amparo of CSF La Union, Jasper Cutiongco of Angeles and John Manabat of Smart Pampanga.
Smart Pampanga occupied third place after an 83-74 win over Star Margarine-Baguio. Jerome Quiambao and Kyle Galang paced Smart Pampanga with 15 each followed by 14 from Aries Pineda and 13 from Manabat.
On the way to the finals, the Volunteers beat CSF La Union (71-67), Smart Pampanga (60-53), Angeles City (78-73) and Star Margarine Baguio (83-74) to join Smart Laguna in the provincial finals to be held in May at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
For its part, the Angeles team defeated Smart Pampanga (72-64), Star Margarine Baguio (85-80) and CSF La Union (88-73) to enter the final and lose anew to the Volunteers.
Scheduled next are the Visayas regionals on April 22-24 at Dumaguete City and Mindanao regionals on April 29-May 1 in Cagayan de Oro City.