Olongapo gains national finals of Nokia tilt

SMART Olongapo became the second team after Smart Laguna to advance to the national finals after it annexed the North Luzon crown of the Nokia National Basketball Training Center D-League recently at the SBMA gym in Olongapo City.

The Volunteers completed a five-game sweep, including a 77-65 win over Angeles City in the finals of the three-day event backed by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corp.

Lomell Loyola, named the Most Valuable Player, was a steady presence for his team while teammates Armando Timpog (17 points), Raphael Galang (16) and Jomas Andrada took scoring honors in the game also supported by San Miguel Pure Foods Company, and Burlington.

Tristan Perez led Angeles City with 16 points.

Making up the Mythical Five were Carmelo Barrera and Timpog of Olongapo, Vincent Amparo of CSF La Union, Jasper Cutiongco of Angeles and John Manabat of Smart Pampanga.

Smart Pampanga settled for third after scoring an 83-74 win over Star Margarine-Baguio. Jerome Quiam-bao and Kyle Galang paced Pampanga with 15 each, followed by Aries Pineda (14).

On the way to the finals, the Volunteers beat CSF La Union (71-67), Smart Pampanga (60-53), Angeles City (78-73) and Star Margarine Baguio (83-74).

The finals will be held next month at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Up next are the Visayas regionals on April 22-24 in Dumaguete City and Mindanao regionals on April 29-May 1 in Cagayan de Oro City