CAMANAVA repeats as NBTC North Luzon Regional champions following EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros' triumph.
CAMANAVA remained as the kings of the north as EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros ruled the 2025 Smart-NBTC North Luzon Regional Championship with a masterful 87-72 dismantling of Luid Kapampangan Sunday at Central Luzon State University Gymnatorium in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.
Kenneth Avila was a steadying presence for his side, as he has done all tournament long, unfurling 11 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two assists to be adjudged as the Regional Most Outstanding Player.
But the backcourt was the difference maker for EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros, with Bobet Monterozo scoring nine of his 13 points in the first quarter to take a 28-14 lead, setting the tone.
Ace Baldomero and Richmond Montejo also added 11 points apiece as the CAMANAVA champions went undefeated in seven games in the four-day competition.
The triumph enabled CAMANAVA to repeat after Yengskivel Sportswear won the inaugural North Luzon Regionals last year in Ilocos Norte.
Nikko Tipino led Luid Kapampangan with 17 points and four rebounds, while Mythical Team member Alexis Riño got 15 points, six assists, and five boards in a lethargic showing for the Cabalens in the finale.
Nonetheless, the two teams will be part of the 2025 Smart-NBTC National Finals as the North Luzon representatives.
Also part of the Mythical Five of the tournament co-presented by SM Supermalls and Playtime Cares were Thyrone Barcena of Nagbukel National High School of Ilocos Sur, John Lord Cruz of DPR Aviation College of Bulacan, and Rain Martin of Nueva Ecija D’Generals.
Meanwhile, DPR Aviation College and i-Achievers Modern College of Nueva Ecija caught the final two tickets to the Nationals as they made the most of their second chance and earned it through the Regional Wildcard.
Yhano Micorhain Lacsarum caught fire and drilled six treys for his 24 points and guided the Bulakenyos to a 94-84 repulsing of Nagbukel NHS.
i-Achievers also roared back from a 12-point deficit in the last five minutes and took the 84-83 thriller after a Blyz Taculad putback with six seconds to play to stun Nueva Ecija D’Generals.
The Regional Championships continue on Feb. 6 to 9 in Oroquieta City for the Mindanao Regional Championships with four more tickets up for grabs in the National Finals, which is also sponsored by Adidas, Molten, Swish, and JProject.