LJ Pascual shifted into takeover mode in the second half, steering NCR-SGAxLGR to a 67-56 win over NCR-Muntinlupa Cafe Uno in the Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program finals on Friday, Feb. 7, at Greenhills West Clubhouse, San Juan.
Pascual posted a near double-double outing with 24 points and eight rebounds to go with two assists and two steals while Carl Delos Reyes and Neil Garcia chipped in 10 markers apiece to help deliver the title.
With the 6-foot-1 Pascual leading the way, SGAxLGR completed a tournament sweep as it went unbeaten in the elimination round with a 3-0 card before it booted out Cavite and Safestep in quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
The feat, however, didn’t come as a surprise as SGAxLGR is composed mostly of players from University of the East that recently captured the crown in the UAAP Season 87 high school boys tournament.
And they showcased that championship pedigree to win it all in the Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program presented by Smart and endorsed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Down three at the break, SGAxLGR leaned on 15-year-old Pascual, who instigated their third quarter breakaway, scoring 12 points in that stretch including a three-pointer that sent his team to a 46-41 lead as they completely turned things around.
SGAxLGR would end the frame holding onto a 48-43 cushion.
Andwele Cabañero, who had 19 points in the first half alone, tried to start a Muntinlupa comeback but Pascual just couldn’t be stopped. The 6-foot-1 Pascual stole the leather en route to a layup before another triple from him made it a sizable 59-47 advantage for SGAxLGR.
