PERPETUAL Help remained unbeaten to advance to the first-ever Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) finals.
The Junior Altas pulled away in the second half against the University of the East en route to a 90-76-win, Saturday morning at the Tanduay Gym in Manila in the NGBL that is presented by URATEX, Jollibee, Strong Group Athletics, and in partnership with JETOUR, World Balance, and Molten as official game ball.
Lebron Jhames Daep flexed his might in the NCAA-UAAP clash, with the 6-foot-7 do-it-all big man delivering his best outing in the tournament to the tune of 25 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and an assist to be named the World Balance Player of the Game.
“My numbers are just the results ng pag i-improve namin araw-araw sa training,” said Daep of his stellar showing in the semifinals of the NGBL that is supported by Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas as official league outfitter, RICA UPVC Aluminum Glass and Trading Corp., Verleo Catering as official caterer, and Tanduay Athletics.
“Sinasabi kasi samin ni coach Joph [Cleopas] na yung games, darating naman yan. Ang unang kalaban talaga namin ay yung mga sarili namin. Doon nagsisimula yung tunay na laban, so doon po ako nagpalakas kaya nasasanay na po ako dito,” he added.
Much like Daep, also manifesting their prowess against the Junior Warriors in the league that is also supported by MET Food Corporation, official hydration partners Gatorade & Summit Natural Drinking Water, Converge as official internet provider, and Crocs, were Icee Calangan, Jim Corpuz, and Jan Roluna.
Calangan and Corpuz each contributed 13 points and two three-pointers, while Roluna was the fourth Perpetualite who finished in double digits with 10. This also extended the tournament-best win streak of Cleopas’ troops to nine.
The Junior Altas will rekindle their NGBL opening game against National University-Nazareth School in the Finals for the all-or-nothing Php 300,000 cash prize this Saturday at the MGC Gym in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.