Naughton erupts for 53 as Tumakbo California escapes Fil-QLD Australia in SLA opener

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Visiting teams made an early statement as the Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) Junior World Showcase tipped off on Wednesday, July 1, at various venues across Cebu City.

Leading the opening-day fireworks was Tumakbo California’s Mike Yao Naughton, who erupted for 53 points to power his team to a thrilling 93-90 victory over fellow visiting squad Fil-QLD Australia in a Bracket B matchup of the 15-under division at the Magnum Sports Complex.

Naughton complemented his scoring outburst with five rebounds and one assist in 40 minutes of action. He shot an efficient 17-of-36 from the field, including 7-of-18 from beyond the arc. Nathan Johnson chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

READ: SLA Junior World Showcase: 4 Cebu venues to host tournament

Tumakbo California had to fend off a balanced Fil-QLD Australia attack led by Daniel Joshua Nicolas and Trystan Haga, who both recorded double-doubles. Nicolas finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while Haga added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jack Beltran, Isaiah Gregas, and Liam Abasolo contributed 14 points apiece in the loss.

Fil-QLD Australia appeared poised for victory after Beltran split a pair of free throws to give his team a 90-88 lead with 30 seconds remaining. But Naughton responded with a game-tying layup with 14 seconds left before making the defensive play of the game.

He stole the ball from Beltran with just two seconds remaining and was fouled while attempting a three-pointer. Naughton calmly knocked down all three free throws to put Tumakbo California ahead, 93-90. Fil-QLD Australia failed to get off a quality shot on its final possession, allowing Tumakbo California to escape with the dramatic opening-day win.

READ: SLA Jr. World Showcase tips off Wednesday across Cebu City

In the other 15-under games, Gilas Montreal of Canada overwhelmed Ympact Ballers, 113-77, behind 22 points from Kent Luther Labitag and 20 from Ali Junior Ansagay. Marc Lawrence Buniel and Charles Navarro paced Ympact Ballers with 16 points each.

Last Shot Dubai also opened its campaign with a 76-67 victory over Las Vegas USA. Justin Lucas Mejia starred with 24 points and 17 rebounds, while Zach Abalde scored 20 points for Las Vegas in the loss.

Games in the other age-group divisions were still ongoing as of posting time.

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