Nico Mulingtapang says familiarity with San Sebastian helped in Batang Tiaong win

NBTC

Nico Mulingtapang led Batang Tiaong to the Fearless Four round of the NBTC National Finals as it dispatched San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 80-66, in the Fantastic 8 round on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mulingtapang, a part of the Mapua Red Robins, posted 26 points and eight rebounds as he went against a familiar foe in the Staglets. 

For him, it was actually helpful that he knew San Sebastian one way or another.

“Talagang tumulong lang ako sa teammates ko kasi alam ko na ‘yung scouting sa San Sebastian,” the graduating Red Robin told GMA News Online.

(I helped my teammates because I know my scouting for San Sebastian.)

It was actually the second straight day a squad of his went against the Staglets as Mapua faced San Sebastian on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball Battle for Third which the Red Robins won, 64-62. Mulingtapang, however, did not play in the said match.

Despite this, the Quezon province-native remained grateful as his squad advanced to the NBTC Division 1 semifinals.

“Thankful po na nag-stick lang sa sytem and lumabas ang resulta.”

(I’m just thankful I stuck to the system and the results happened.)

Now, the graduating student said he is just waiting for what is next for him.

“Waiting pa rin po sa mga kumakausap. Hindi ko naman po minamadali.”

(I’m still waiting, I’m not in a rush.)

Mulingtapang posted averages of 8.0 points, 2.11 rebounds, 2.33 assists, and 1.0 steal per game at the end of the Season 99 elimination round.

Batang Tiaong, meanwhile, will go against Fil-Am Nation Select in the Fearless Four on Friday night.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News