Fil-Am Nation Select-USA delivered a commanding performance to clinch the Division 1 title in the 2024 Smart-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) against the Adamson Baby Falcons, sealing a 79-71 victory on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Andy Gemao fired 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Terrence Hill had six of his 12 points in the final quarter to lead the victorious squad.
Adamson started strong and took the early advantage and led by as many as 32-23 before Fil-Am Nation made a run to take the half, 42-41, on Hunter Marumoto’s three-point shot.
An 11-3 flurry in the final quarter did the trick for Fil-Am Nation.
Winning coach Chris Gavina paid tribute to the gallant stand put up by Adamson.
"The way Adamson and us played all tournament was very similar. They had great downhill, breakdown guys. (Justin) Garcia is a tremendous player over there [and John Medina]. They got bright futures. I can see why they won the UAAP juniors because [of] their grit and the way they just played hard," said coach Chris.
"I tip my hat off to my guys for stepping up to the challenge and really making the plays they needed to make on the defensive side," he added.
Garcia led Adamson with 20 points.
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