Adamson Baby Falcons’ Pursuit of NBTC Title
As their college careers fast approach, Adamson Baby Falcons’ Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes try to make the most of their final days in the high school ranks. Garcia, ranked fifth in this year’s NBTC rankings, and Reyes, listed seventh, continue to bank on their on-court connection in a bid to bring Adamson another hardware before going to college.
Championship Aspirations
“We are blessed to have ranked that high. But all we want here is the championship,” said Garcia about his and Reyes’ goals in the tournament.
Path to the Finals
That objective is now within reach as the Baby Falcons moved on the cusp of the NBTC title, dispatching Mapua High School, 70-65, in the semifinals on Friday, March 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Garcia dropped 14 points and 3 assists to continue his stellar run in the NBTC tournament, while Reyes also chipped in 14 markers and 8 rebounds, lifting Adamson to the championship game.
Team Effort
For Garcia, Adamson’s recent success in the UAAP and its run in the NBTC are more than their individual talents. Instead, it was a product of the balanced effort of the squad. “Since the UAAP, this is not about our individual talent. We, as a team, really worked hard for this,” said the 19-year-old point guard.
Upcoming Challenge
Adamson will face their toughest test in the NBTC championship game against Fil-Am Nation Select on Sunday, March 24, at the same venue. Like the Baby Falcons, the Fil-Ams dominated the competition en route to the tournament finals.
Key Matchup in the Finals
Matching up to the caliber of Adamson’s Garcia and Reyes will be Gilas Pilipinas Youth players Andy Gemao, Jacob Bayla, and Caelum Harris, along with spitfire scorer Terrence Hill. The two finalists have not won the NBTC title since the tournament’s inception, with the Fil-Am Select team only claiming its best finish as a runner-up last year.