By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense John Loyd Martinez of the El Tzino/Davies had a remarkable showing in the 2025 Smart-NBTC Visayas Regional Championship held recently at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Gym in Bacolod City.

The Negros Occidental’s San Enrique-native Martinez became the first player to win the Regional Most Outstanding Player award to not come from a champion team following his consistent performance for El Tzino in the entire tournament.

Martinez, who is being recruited by the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, six steals, and five assists in El Tzino’s 69-57 victory over the Bleachers Roadstar Transit of South Negros and earned their slot in the national finals.

Meanwhile, defending champion Team Khalifa took down the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguar Cubs with a wire-to-wire 75-54 to rule the tournament.

Tema Khalifa left little doubt, starting off with a blazing 25-6 first-quarter assault and never looked back as they stretched the lead to their biggest at 32 points in the second half.

Lloyd Amadeo Gutang finished with 10 points, six boards, four steals, and two assists.

Jerome Arboiz chipped in 10 points and four rebounds, while Jay Ver Palco had 10 points and two boards for Team Khalifa.

Mythical Team member Johncel Borjal willingly took the backseat and only registered nine points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of play in the finale, which capped off Team Khalifa’s perfect 7-0 campaign.

Meanwhile, Kyle Matthew Barrieta emerged as the lone bright spot for USJ-R with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with two assists in the defeat.

Meanwhile, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation delivered a 70-60 drubbing of the City of Talisay-Notre Dame in the other regional wildcard.

Fritz John Gonzales drilled 20 points for the winning team./ASC, WDJ