Fil-Am Nation Opens NBTC Title Defense Strong

Defending champion Fil-Am Nation Select launched its 2025 NBTC National Finals campaign in dominant fashion, overwhelming Top Flight Sports Canada, 85-72, in the Seeding Round on Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Fil-Am Nation, led by NCAA Division I standout Angelino Mark, quickly established control behind his 20-point effort alongside five rebounds and four assists.

Andrew Miller and Eian Lowe added 15 and 13 points, respectively, to fuel the squad’s commanding performance in the 19-under Division 1 bracket.

“This is the youngest team I have ever coached and the game is a lot of fun,” said Fil-Am Nation head coach and three-time NBA champion Byron Scott. “We want to do back-to-back. We have a lot of guys who love to compete.”

Mark’s leadership sparked a 25-point surge in the third quarter, 60-35, ensuring Fil-Am Nation Select’s grip on the top seed among 32 teams vying for the national high school crown.

With the victory, Fil-Am Nation advanced to face St. Jude College Dasmariñas Thaddeans in the Super 32, while second-seed Top Flight Sports Canada is set to meet the USPF Baby Panthers.

Despite the loss, Top Flight’s Chad Gammad stood out with 24 points, including four triples, while Joey Panghulan contributed 14.

In other results, FilEuro Nation Select secured the 19th seed after dispatching Sequoia Hotels Team NZ, 72-57.

Gabe de Jesus and Allen Perez combined for 29 points to push FilEuro to a next-round matchup with Notre Dame of Midsayap Rams.

Arron Malonzo led Sequoia Hotels NZ with 12 points in the loss, earning a meeting with USJ-R Jaguar Cubs.

Proudly Pinoy Filcom Italy pulled off a stirring 77-72 comeback against Jazzville Sports Middle East to grab the 17th seed.

Bass Reefman delivered a monster double-double with 30 points and 16 rebounds to lift the Italians past Jazzville, who will now face Luid Kapampangan as the 18th seed.

Ralph Dizon’s 27-point outing — highlighted by six three-pointers — was not enough to stop Jazzville from falling short late.

Homegrown Australia also held firm in a gritty 64-55 win over Batang Europa, sealing the no. 23 seed for a clash with Chrisveil Sports Cavite.

Batang Europa will take on Toyomoto Auto Supply Davao in the Super 32 round.

FilAm Clifton Tigers claimed the 21st seed behind Carl Matala’s 19 points and Edryn Morales’ 12, defeating Crossover Canada, who dropped to the 22nd seed and will face Team Khalifa Cebu.

The 2025 NBTC National Finals continues this week, showcasing the top under-19 talent from the Philippines and overseas Filipino communities in a celebration of grassroots basketball.

The tournament serves as a launching pad for many local and international prospects aiming to play in collegiate programs or professional leagues, including the PBA and overseas circuits.