Basketball fever swept across Negros Occidental as the Abanse Negrense – NBTC local qualifying tournament tipped off last weekend in the north and south clusters.
Hosted by the Municipality of Manapla at the Don Edilberto B. Vocal Sr. Memorial Civic Center and the Municipality of Pontevedra at the Pontevedra Gymnasium, the tournament’s opening games brought thrilling performances and set the tone for another exciting season.
NORTH CLUSTER
In the Saturday games at the north Negros cluster, the CNHS Dreamers of Cadiz City edged out ELMIS Sagay City with a nail-biting 64-61 victory; the Cadiz Whales claimed a close 76-70 win over JJP Basketball of Sagay City; One Silay dominated San Carlos City with an impressive 88-74 scoreline; and host team Municipality of Manapla capitalized on their home-court advantage, crushing Municipality of Calatrava with a score of 91-59.
The Sunday matchups intensified further, as the City of Talisay dismantled the CNHS Dreamers, securing a staggering 102-43 win; Escalante City’s Yutang Bulawan triumphed over Cadiz Whales with a solid 78-66 victory; JJP Basketball bounced back to hand Municipality of Manapla a 71-59 defeat; One Silay kept their momentum, beating ELMIS Sagay City with a final score of 93-72.
SOUTH CLUSTER
The action at Pontevedra was equally electrifying on Saturday, as Go Bago City opened strong, defeating Sparta Hunters Hinigaran with 12-point lead with a final score of 62-50; Bleacher/Road Star Transit of Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City dominated Municipality of Hinigaran with a 101-67 win; Sipalay City emerged victorious over Kabankalan City’s MMBC Crossed Over, scoring 70-57; Equiper Scorpions Kabankalan outplayed host team Hiliusa Pontevedra, finishing 85-70.
The following day, Sparta Hunters Hinigaran rebounded with a 71-58 win against Cubay Jaguars of La Carlota City; Go Bago City continued their winning streak, defeating Equiper Scorpions Kabankalan with a score of 102-76; Pintok Tiger BC Binalbagan claimed a decisive 78-61 victory over Municipality of Hinigaran; and Bleacher/Road Star Transit closed the weekend with a strong 74-62 win over MMBC Crossed Over.
Tournament action continues as the central Negros cluster begins its games on Saturday, November 23, with an official opening ceremony to be held at the Montalbo Covered Court in Bacolod City. The games start at 8 a.m., but the opening program, featuring Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, will commence at 10 a.m.
The tournament serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and work towards higher levels of competition. Winners from each cluster will advance to the Visayas Regional Championships in February 2025, with a chance to represent Negros Occidental in the NBTC National Finals in March 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
As the province continues its journey toward excellence in grassroots sports, the Abanse Negrense – NBTC local qualifying tournament underscores as a cornerstone of Governor Lacson’s advocacy for youth empowerment through sustainable sports development programs.
The tournament also seeks to provide equal opportunities for aspiring athletes to showcase their talents and represent their communities, fostering their development, a culture of inclusivity and sportsmanship, and inspiring the Negrense youth through sports, the press release added.*
