The highly anticipated Abanse Negrense – NBTC local qualifying tournament continued on November 23, with the official opening ceremony held at the Montalbo Covered Court in Bacolod City.
After an energetic start in the North and South Negros clusters last week, the Central Negros Cluster took center stage with a dazzling lineup of teams and intense basketball action.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson graced the opening ceremony, reiterating his administration’s commitment to youth development through sustainable and equitable grassroots sports programs. In his opening address, Lacson emphasized the importance of providing platforms like the Abanse Negrense Sports initiatives to nurture the talents of the Negrense youth. He noted that such efforts not only develop skills but also pave the way for local players to be scouted by prominent teams in Metro Manila. He also encouraged the participants to play with passion, showcase their abilities, and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.
The opening day delivered electrifying matches that kept fans at the edge of their seats as St. John’s Institute (SJI) outpaced Spartans Basketball in a commanding 75-61 victory; Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV) triumphed over RGC La Salle, 79-52; Pintok Tiger BC Binalbagan edged out Sipalay City in a nail-biting match that ended with a final score of 64-59; the City of Talisay overwhelmed San Carlos City with an impressive 88-51 win; Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS) showcased their prowess, defeating Bata National High School (BNHS) with a 55-point lead, scoring 92-37;
Davies/El Tzino outmaneuvered STI West Negros University in a tight 70-63 contest; Equiper Scorpions Kabankalan bested Sparta Hunters Hinigaran with a 67 – 50 victory; Escalante City’s Yutang Bulawan soared past the Municipality of Calatrava, claiming a 72-45 win; MMBC Crossover Kabankalan triumphed over the Municipality of Hinigaran with a 62-50 score; One Silay delivered a stellar performance, crushing CNHS Dreamers of Cadiz City, with an 85-50 victory; and Hiliusa Pontevedra took down Cubay Jaguars La Carlota, securing a 66-53 win.
The tournament, which is part of the Abanse Negrense Sports Programs, aims to foster discipline, teamwork, and resilience among young athletes. It also serves as a launchpad for discovering potential basketball stars who could make a mark on national and international stages.
Meanwhile, the local qualifying tournament is in preparation for the next stage – the Visayas Regional Championship and the National Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena, aptly dubbed as “Madness in MOA,” all set in February to March 2025.
It also continues in the coming weekends with more thrilling matchups from the north, south, and central Negros clusters. Fans are encouraged to witness the action live at the Montalbo Covered Court for the central Negros teams, while the south Negros games will continue at Pontevedra Gymnasium in the Municipality of Pontevedra, and the matches for the north Negros cluster are held at the Don Edilberto B. Vocal Sr. Memorial Civic Center in the Municipality of Manapla. Admission is free.*
