USA, Canada, New Zealand advance to NBTC Round of 16 

MANILA, Philippines – The international teams composed of Filipinos born overseas advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2019 Chooks to Go NBTC National Finals set March 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Durham Crossover Canada squeaked past First City Providential College of Bulacan, 85-82, behind Denzel Faraon’s 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Camp David New Zealand also survived a fourth quarter blitz by St. Louis of Don Bosco Dumaguete, 80-77, to also advance.

Reimer Cruz led five Kiwis in double digits with 26 points. Mason Amos added 15, Jordan Perez had 13, while Taine Davis and Tyler Martin chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.

FilAm Sports USA trounced University of Perpetual Help Laguna, 86-55, behind Kainoa Ballungay 24 points. Brandon Wilson (14 points), JeRon Artest (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Jalen Green (11 points) also contributed to the overall effort that saw them go to 2-0 in the tournament.

Crossover Canada led 69-59 entering the final period of play. A furious rally by Bulacan saw them come within a basket. A desperation half-court heave by Theo Pabico was off its mark and the Fil-Canadians advanced to the next round.

Canada’s win, however, was somewhat overshadowed by the performance of Bulacan guard John Bravo who scored a tournament-high 42 points to go with 10 rebounds.