Big man Daniel De Guzman shone in offense as Trinity University of Asia turned back Nyro Saints, 76-69, and captured the Open Division title of the QCBL First Conference at the NRMF Gym in Fairview.
The steady slotman scored almost at will from inside and out of the paint, on the way to a top-scoring 29 points on top of nine rebounds to give Trinity the confidence as the team prepares for its next bigger tournament.
Coach Alvin Grey said they are using the QCBL as an exposure for tougher games ahead, particularly in the PBA D-League, where they are seeing action for the first time.
De Guzman’s 22-point explosion in the second half had the Trinity Stallions turning a 25-35 halftime deficit into a rousing victory in the maiden season of the tournament supported by Wilson, Cashen Advertising, FEU-NRMF, Fit N Rite, Smart Communication and Kyzox Foundation.
“Magandang chances sa amin itong paglalaro sa QCBL para makapag-gel ang mga bata. Ang ganda nga agad ng teamwork nila dito,” said Grey, who has new seven players in his fold, including De Guzman.
Ably aiding De Guzman were old reliables Joshua Montero and Christian Goduco, who had 9 and 8 points, respectively. Leading the Saints’ losing cause were Dave Tecson and Jherald Manacho, who combined for 31 points.
In other finals matches, SSI Metal defeated Magic Seven, 96-87, to rule the Cadet Division, while Nemesis beat Regalado Vet, 101-90, to bag the Starter Division title.
QCBL Executive Director BJ Manalo congratulated all the teams and the winners and applauded them for the sportsmanship they displayed in the entire tournament.
“We thank all our teams, from the owners to the coaches and players, and our sponsors for making our first QCBL successful,” said Manalo, a former Dela Salle University Archer and team executive at GlobalPort in the PBA.