THE Quezon City District 1 Warriors scored a vengeful 70-56 win over Nagoya Gakuin University to rule the Tokai Fil Basketball Invitational Games in Japan.
Patrick Buena, Borris Mvogo, and Joeben Loria answered the call for the team by outscoring the opposition in the final quarter, 17-10, right in front of its home crowd at the Nagoya Gakuin University gym to secure the win.
Buena and Mvogo tallied 13 points each, while Loria added 11 points to lead the Warriors of PBA champion coach Derrick Pumaren to their second overseas title in less than a year.
Last June, the team copped the Mutant 2024 Cahaya Lestari Surabaya Cup International Invitational League Under-23 Senior Basketball Boys’ Division crown in Indonesia.
The Warriors, under the guidance of two-time PBA champion coach, had to fight their way back in the tournament after an initial 78-82 loss to Nagoya Gakuin University.
The victory also came as an advanced birthday present for Pumaren who celebrated last Feb. 26.
The Warriors had a rough start to their campaign, losing to Nagoya Gakuin, 82-78, in the opener.
But they rebounded with an 81-68 win 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.
“We knew it would be a challenge to win it all, but I always believed in the talent of our players. They exceeded expectations, and this win is a testament to their dedication,” said Pumaren, a multi-titled coach both in the pros and collegiate leagues “There’s still work to be done, but for now, we just want to celebrate this achievement.”
The Warriors also featured Warren Calara, Ryan Arceo, Jerome Santos, Dave Bernabe, Franz Diaz, Jason Puray, and Christian Jake Agoncillo, all of whom were selected through tryouts conducted in Atayde’s D1 Basketball League in Quezon City’s first district under Rep. Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde.
Pumaren also expressed his gratitude to Atayde and his family for supporting the campaign of the Warriors.
“We knew we were up against tough competition, but our players rose to the challenge. Their heart, discipline, and refusal to back down - especially in front of the home crowd - reflect the true spirit of Filipino athletes. I am incredibly proud of them,” said Atayde, who also support other sports like fencing, football, and volleyball aside from basketball.
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