By Robert Andaya
BESTLINK College of the Philippines etched its name in NCRAA history after outlasting defending champion Immaculada Concepcion College, 80-78, in a nerve-wracking overtime battle to clinch the basketball championshipat the NOVADECI Convention Center .
The Quezon City-based Kalasag completed a stunning rise to the top, securing their first-ever NCRAA title since joining the league and ending the Blue Hawks’ reign in a gripping winner-take-all showdown of their best-of-three finals series.
Leading the charge was the deadly tandem of Pierce Magno and Finals Most Valuable Player Lebron Quirog.
Magno fired 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, and handed out three assists, while Quirog delivered an all-around masterpiece with 16 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in just 24 minutes of action.
Rich Alota chipped in 10 points, while Victor Nuarin and Mico Toldanes added eight and seven markers, respectively, as the Kalasag weathered every challenge thrown by the defending champions.
CJ Torres spearheaded the Blue Hawks’ attack with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes. Paul Lopez and Jon Arimado backed him up with 11 points apiece.
Lopez also contributed five rebounds and four assists, while Arimado finished with four rebounds and four assists. Joshua Bulante tallied nine points and eight rebounds, while Janwell Famaranco and Paolo Morenos added eight and seven points, respectively.
The tightly contested championship series showcased the growing level of competition in the NCRAA, something league officials proudly highlighted after the final buzzer.
“Probably this is the most successful season. Among the Final Four teams, only one was a defending champion. University of Luzon, AIMS, and Bestlink all showed they could compete at the highest level,” said NCRAA General Manager Buddy Encarnado.
“Just look at the championship series, it went to three games and was decided in overtime. I couldn’t ask for a better ending,” he added.
Encarnado also expressed satisfaction over the emergence of new contenders capable of challenging established programs.
“I’m happy because more teams have matured. It’s no longer just one or two schools dominating the competition,” he said.
With the basketball season now in the books, the NCRAA shifts its attention to upcoming events, including volleyball and beach volleyball competitions.
“Of course, we’ll have our volleyball tournaments soon.
