Daniel De Guzman struck hard offensively as Trinity University of Asia turned back the Nyro Saints, 76, 69 and captured the Open Division title of the QCBL First Conference held over the weekend at the NRMF Gym in Fairview.
De Guzman scored almost at will on the way to game-high 29 points on top of 9 rebounds to give Trinity a confidence-boosting aura as the team prepares for its next bigger tournament.
Coach Alvin Grey said they are using the QCBL as an exposure for tougher games ahead in the PBA D-League where they are seeing action for the first time.
De Guzman’s 22-point explosion in the second half had the Trinity Stallions turning a 35-25 halftime deficit into a rousing victory in the maiden season of the tournament supported by Wilson, Cashen Advertising, FEU-NRMF, Fit N Rite, Smart Communication and Kyzox Foundation.
“Magandang chances sa amin itong paglalaro sa QCBL para makapag gel ang mga bata. Ang ganda nga agad ng teamwork nila dito,” said Grey.
Ably aiding De Guzman where old reliables Joshua Montero and Christian Goduco, who had 9 and 8 points,r espectively.
Leading the Saints’ losing cause were Dave Tecson and Jherald Manacho, who combined for 31 points.
In other finals matches, SSI Meatal defeated Magic Seven, 96-87, to rule the Cadet Division while Nemesis beat Regalado Vet, 101-90, to bag the Starter Division title.
QCBL Executive Director BJ Manalo congratulated all the teams for showing exemplary behavior throughout the tournament.
“We thank all our teams, from the owners to the coaches and players, and our sponsors for making our first QCBL successful,” said Manalo, a former Dela Salle University Archer and team executive at GlobalPort in the PBA.
