The Quezon City District 1 Warriors took down Nagoya Gakuin University, 70-56, to reign supreme in the 2025 Tokai Ful Basketball Invitational Games in Nagoya, Japan over the weekend.
The team, backed by QC first district representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, put up a huge defensive stand in the payoff period limiting their opponents to just 10 points while scoring 17 on their end to pull away for good.
Patrick Buena and Borris Mvogo starred with 13 points each while Joeben Loria had 11 for the District Warriors who claimed their second international title after also winning the Mutant 2024 Cahaya Lestari Surabaya Cup International Invitational League Under-23 Senior Basketball Boys’ Division crown in Indonesia last June.
For Atayde, the team’s road to the championship simply showcased the heart and determination of the Filipino athletes.
“We knew we were up against tough competition, but our players rose to the challenge,” said Atayde
“Their heart, discipline, and refusal to back down—especially in the home court of the opposition—reflect the true spirit of Filipino athletes. I am incredibly proud of them,” he added.
Coached by Derrick Pumaren, the team, which also featured standouts Warren Calara, Ryan Arceo, Jerome Santos, Dave Bernabe, Franz Diaz, Jason Puray, and Christian Jake Agoncillo, actually, had to fight their way back in the tournament after an initial 78-82 loss to Nagoya Gakuin University.
They rebounded with an 81-68 victory over Hamamatsu Gakuin University, followed by a hard-fought 76-73 semifinal win against Jifu Seryu Heroes to earn another shot at Nagoya in the finals.
