University of Perpetual Help System DALTA defied the odds by overcoming a daunting task to become the first-ever Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) Champions.
Equipped with an unbeaten, 9-0 streak, the Junior Altas made history through their 96-93 victory over National University-Nazareth School in the NCAA vs. UAAP clash last October 19 at the MGC Gym in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, with Perpetual completing a 14-point comeback to bring home the title in Las Piñas.
This not only gave the Junior Altas the bragging rights against their rival league’s powerhouse NU-Nazareth through the tilt that was presented by URATEX, Jollibee, Strong Group Athletics, and in partnership with JETOUR, World Balance, and Molten as official game ball, but it also allowed them to create new stars aside from their usual household names in the likes of 6-foot-7 do-it-all big Lebron Jhames Daep, league MVP Jan Roluna, and snipers JD Pagulayan and Icee Callangan.
Shining the brightest in the finals of the NGBL that was supported by Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas as official league outfitter, RICA UPVC Aluminum Glass and Trading Corp., Verleo Catering as official caterer, and Tanduay Athletics, was young forward Jericho Cristino.
“Sobrang saya po namin dahil nakuha po namin yung gusto namin,” said the 19-year-old, Leyte native. He poured in 21 points that included five crucial three-pointers in the finals of the league that was also supported by MET Food Corporation, official hydration partners Gatorade & Summit Natural Drinking Water, Converge as official internet provider, and Crocs.
“Dahil po ito sa mga araw-araw na ensayo at sakripisyo, pero hindi ko naman po talaga in-expect na ako yung magfa-Finals MVP,” he furthered of the triumph that extended their win streak to 10, and also made them earn the Php 300,000 champions’ purse.
This was Cristino’s best game in the NGBL scoring-wise, with the 6-foot-3 forward even only previously averaging 7.67 markers in their first nine outings.
However, he said that he was not focused on offense but on the defensive side, especially since they were up against the Bullpups frontline that features the 6-foot-10 Akowe, the 6-foot-8 Jedric Solomon, and the 6-foot-7 JM Palanca.
“’Di ko po iniisip yung pag-score para sa team, ang sa akin po talaga, gusto ko lang gawin yung trabaho ko at best ko para makatulong sa Perps,” said Cristino, who went physical against the tall boys of NU-Nazareth.
“Disiplina lang po talaga, extra effort sa ensayo, pero hindi rin po yun para sa akin. Para po ‘to sa Perpetual,” he emphasized.
Still, he acknowledged that this indeed gave him confidence moving forward, especially since they are hoping to redeem themselves come their Season 100 campaign in NCAA.
“Sobrang makakatulong at napakalaking impact po nito sa akin,” said Cristino. “Talagang importante po ito kasi malaking kumpyansa po yung nabigay ng experience ko sa NGBL para sa NCAA,” ended Cristino.