STA. Teresa National High School (STNHS) stepped up their game as they won Game 1 of the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC)-Guimaras finals against Guimaras State College (GSC) at their home court on Jan. 9, 2019.
The underdog STNHS showed that they wanted the title more by upsetting the defending champions, 73-70.
The champions made their presence felt in the first quarter with Ajie Ferrer leading the offense.
But STNHS stalwart June Michael Adorador managed to cut the lead to one point, 16-15.
In the second canto, GSC cagers became sluggish and committed costly turnovers, which STNHS took advantage as they dictated the tempo for an 11-point advantage at the halftime, 42-31.
GSC tried to cut the deficit in the second half, but Sta. Teresa used their homecourt wisely and claimed Game 1.
Ferrer, Mark Kevin Gison, and Jhon Evans Ramos scored 16 points each for the winners.
Adorador, on the other hand, paced GSC with 19 points.
“This proves that basketball is unpredictable. A game of mistake. We are expecting for a sweep, but Sta. Teresa played their hearts out and unexpectedly, they snatched the Game 1. However, we know that Game 2 will be thrilling also as GSC won’t wave the white flag easily. They are the defending champ and they are tested in crucial games,” said tournament director Dr. Richard Gabayoyo.
