University of Perpetual Help System DALTA defied the odds to capture the first-ever Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) title.
The Junior Altas completed a come-from-behind 96-93 victory against National University-Nazareth School during their winner-take-all Finals clash on Saturday at the MGC New Life Christian Academy Gym in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Jericho Cristino’s star shone the brightest in the NCAA vs. UAAP affair, with the young forward making a name for himself in the most important game of the tourney.
“Napakasaya po namin na nakuha po namin yung gusto namin,” said the 19-year-old forward from Leyte who posted 21 points (5/12 3pts) and a steal against the Collins Akowe-led Bullpups frontline en route to being hailed as the NGBL’s first-ever Finals MVP.
“Dahil po ‘to sa pinaghirapan at mga sakripisyo namin, pero ‘di ko naman po inasahan na ako yung magiging Finals MVP. ‘Di ko naman po iniisip yung mga score ko, talagang ginawa ko lang po yung best ko para makatulong sa team,” he added of his performance – his best game in the tournament.
The win was worth P300,000 for the Junior Altas.
Down 69-55 with only 4:39 left in the third quarter following a basket by Sean Solomon, the Las Piñas-based cagers went back to form and retaliated with a 19-to-5 charge after Cristino, JD Pagulayan, Jim Corpuz, and Lebron Jhames Daep, took turns in hitting deuces and triples to eventually tie the game at 74.
The Junior Altas continued to their assault and finally took the fight out of the Juniors Bullpups to win the title undefeated.
Team manager Anton Tamayo is hoping to bring their success to the coming NCAA season where the Juniors Altas are out to get back at last year’s tormentor Learn.
