Delivering the killer blows down the stretch, St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets-Elite Lab rules the 2024 National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Iloilo Qualifying Tournament at the expense of Iloilo Doctor’s College, 83-80 at the Leganes covered gym.
Coached by John Guanco, the Panda Rockets played like a well-oiled machine, Justin Cargo steered the champions and was hailed Most Valuable Player. The team will advance to the NBTC Visayas Qualifying Tournament in Bacolod City slated from February 15-18.
The Iloilo champs are composed of Luis Michael Sitchon, Michsan Rhaey Oñate, Jp Gaspillo, Prinz Jurisprudencia, Nicholas John Ditchon, Ej Secorata, Paul Jovan Santome, Edrian Aguirre, Kyle Sardon, Glenn Lazaro, Andrie Padilla, Rex Demafilis, Karl Alfred Ferrer, and Rengie Ecarma.
Before seeing actions in the finals, the team survived Sta. Clarita International School Primes, 98-79. Iloilo Doctor’s College, on the other hand, prevailed over University of San Agustin, 75-73.
According to Team Manager Eugene Chua, the team played superb in the entire tournament, especially that all teams are tough to beat.
For Dr. Richard Gabayoyo, NBTC Area Head for Western Visayas, the qualifying tournament is very successful since schools, ball clubs and other organizations participated in the event plus the support of LGU Leganes.
“We are looking forward to more teams to participate next season with the participation and hosting of different municipalities in the province of Iloilo,” he added.IMT Sports
