Team Khalifa Reigns Supreme in NBTC Visayas Regional Championship 2025

BACOLOD CITY – The NBTC Visayas Regional Championship 2025, dubbed #MadnessInNegrosOcci, showcased intense competition and delivered high-octane basketball action from February 27 to 28 across three different venues—the Bacolod City Arts, Sports, and Cultural Center at Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS Gym), Montalbo Gym, and Bacolod Tay Tung High School Covered Courts. The championship rounds were then held from March 1 to 2 at the Willy and Nolita Au Gymnasium at Bacolod Tay Tung High School, where Team Khalifa of Cebu emerged victorious.

The tournament was officially opened by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on February 27 at BCNHS Gym, where he welcomed teams and guests with an inspiring message. The Province of Negros Occidental, through the ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports Programs, once again took the lead in hosting this prestigious tournnament, with support from the City of Bacolod, Mayor Albee Benitez, and Councilor Al Victor Espino. The city played a key role in securing the BCNHS Gym, providing portalets, and lending additional medics and a standby ambulances for the tournament’s duration.

A Two-Peat for Team Khalifa; USJR Jaguar Cubs Fall Short

Cebu’s Team Khalifa once again cemented their dominance in the Visayas region by defending their title and securing back-to-back championships. In a commanding 75-54 victory over the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Jaguar Cubs, Team Khalifa once again proved their strength and secured their spot at the NBTC National Finals, dubbed #MadnessInMOA later this month.

The USJR Jaguar Cubs, despite falling short, still earned their place in the National Finals, determined to make an impact on the biggest stage. Meanwhile, Cebu’s University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers and Negros Occidental’s El Tzino/Davies also secured slots in the regional wildcard phase, ensuring that Visayas will be well-represented at the final stage of the tournament.

Rising Stars Shine in Visayas Championship

This year’s regional tournament was not just about team victories but also outstanding individual performances.

Five players stood out for their remarkable contributions to their respective teams and securing their spots in the Mythical Team:
• Kyle Matthew Barrieta (USJ-R Jaguar Cubs – Cebu)
• Johncel Borjal (Team Khalifa – Cebu)
• Gino Deal Puerta (Notre Dame Talisay – Negros Occidental)
• Fritz John Gonzales (USPF Baby Panthers – Cebu)
• John Lloyd Martinez (El Tzino/Davies – Negros Occidental)

Among them, Martinez stole the show and was recognized as the Regional Most Outstanding Player. His impressive performance — 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 5 assists — highlighted his versatility and dominance on the court. Martinez is expected to make waves once again at NBTC National Finals this season.

Meanwhile, the NBTC Visayas Regional Championship 2025 would not have been possible without the strong partnership between the Province of Negros Occidental, the City of Bacolod, and the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC). Special acknowledgment was given to NBTC National Program Director Coach Eric Altamirano and NBTC Head of Operations Marissa Altamirano, whose commitment to grassroots basketball continues to pave the way for young Negrense athletes to gain exposure and reach their full potential.

As #MadnessInMOA approaches, the basketball community eagerly anticipates how the Visayas champions will fare against the nation’s top teams. With Team Khalifa, USJR Jaguar Cubs, USPF Baby Panthers, and El Tzino/Davies ready to represent the region, expect high-intensity action and inspiring performances in the upcoming NBTC National Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on March 31 to April 6, 2025.* (Provincial Sports Office)