Energen raps Megavia, bags Minda crown

03/31/2009

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Energen annexed the Mindanao crown to join Smart-Manila and Health Solutions-Laguna in the national finals of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League.

The team of coach Eldy Cunanan bested Davao champion Megavia, 77-62, at the Xavier University gym on Sunday to make it to the next level of the tournament under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas under Manny Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala with support from Molten, Nike and Philippine Airlines.

Van Adam Abatayo and Daniel Sumalinog had 11 points apiece as the Davao-based team is now qualified in the national finals set on May 7 to 9 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

“I told the boys to emphasize on defense and control the boards. We are very happy with this win,” said coach Eldy Cunanan, whose team already had the height advantage as Megavia missed the services of top inside player Kinsman Frando.

Martin Delfinado was adjudged as the Most Outstanding Player and also joined the mythical five which includes Bejay Aquino (MisOr), Reden Celda (Megavia), Mark Hans Sabal (Oro Grande) and Johnny Malanday.

The Visayas finals started yesterday with Cebu champion Daisy Condensada, B-MEG Experts Cebu, Santos Petroleum of Iloilo and Dumaguete Suy of Bacolod City battling for the remaining berth at the USC North gym in Cebu City.

The Nokia NBTC D-League is a program meant to produce fundamentally-sound players to future national teams aside from leagues like the UAAP, NCAA, PBL, PBA and the Liga Pilipinas.

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