By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Davies/El Tzino, Talisay City and Bleacher Roadstar Transit emerged as winners in the Abanse Negrense – NBTC Local Qualifying Tournament held at the Montalbo Covered Court in Bacolod City.

Davies/El Tzino reaffirmed their dominance in the Central Negros Cluster by defeating Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias in the championship round, 87-70.

Talisay City also repeated as champions in the Northern Negros Cluster by toppling JJP Basketball of Sagay City, 97-95, in a tightly-contested finals match.

Meanwhile, Bleacher Roadstar Transit held off Sparta Hunters Hinigaran to claim the Southern Negros Cluster championship title with a score of 54-49.

The journey continues for the three local champion teams as they advance and represent the province in the NBTC Regional Finals, which will once again be hosted by Negros Occidental.

Scheduled for February to March 2025, the regional finals will take place at the Willy and Nolita Au Gymnasium (Po Hang Gym) of Bacolod Tay Tung High School in Bacolod City.

The collaborative program with NBTC and Coach Eric Altamirano is part of the commitment of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to empower Negrense youth through various sustainable Abanse Negrense Sports Development Initiatives that aim to promote excellence, the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship across the province./ASC, WDJ