BTTHS out following loss to De La Salle Lipa

By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTHS) exited the second division of the 2018 National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals following a 69-63 loss to De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) last Wednesday.

The Bacolod City-based school opened the game with a big 20-8 lead. They continued to lead throughout the second quarter, ending the first half ahead 31-21.

In the third period, top BTTHS scorer James Barrera was taken out of the game due to a knee injury with 3:30 minutes left. Despite maintaining a 45-34 earlier in the quarter, DLSL managed to tie up the game 46-46 going into the final period.

DLSL eventually pulled ahead and completed the come-from-behind victory.

Stephen Javier led the win with 21 points, followed by Ian Abila with 17 and Raphael Dimayuga with 12.

Before being taken off with an injury, Barrera scored 23 points for BTTHS.

“It [was] a good experience for the boys,” said team manager Roger Montalbo. “It will help them improve.”/JSG, WDJ