Mike Nieto leads Red team to NBTC All-Star win

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo Blue Eaglets star Mike Neito finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds to lead the Red All-Stars past the White All-Stars in the 2015 NBTC All-Star Game held at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City on Sunday, March 8. 

Nieto, who was named MVP of the contest, did most of his damage in the third period, where his club outscored their adversaries by 18 to take control of the ball game.

The white squad was led by Mike’s brother and co Blue Eaglet Matthew Neito, who finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. JV Gallego also played well for the losing side, contributing 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 boards. 

After finishing with 0 fastbreak points in the first two quarters, the Red All-Stars got on the break repeatedly in the second half and put up 12 markers on the break. They also forced a total of 17 turnovers out of their adversaries that led to 19 points. 

Incoming DLSU Green Archer rookie Jollo Go finished with 15 points in 20 minutes for the Red All-Stars, while Brandey Bienes put up 15 markers as well. Jerric Balanza and Fran Yu both contributed to the victory, combining for 22 points. 

“Well, siguro, unang una po gusto ko mag pasalamat sa pag iinvite saakin tsaka kay Matt dito sa NBTC. Sobrang blessed po kami and grateful,” Mike Nieto said after the game. 

(First of all, I want to say thanks for those who invited me and Matt here at NBTC. We’re very blessed and grateful.) 

“Hindi ko inisip yung MVP… gusto ko lang i-showcase yung talents ko dito sa NBTC…” 

(I wasn’t thinking about the MVP award… I just wanted to showcase my talents here at NBTC…)

Notable high school stars Andrei Caracut and Mark Dyke played in limited minutes. Caracut, who’s heading to La Salle, finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Dyke put up 6 points and 6 boards. 

– Rappler.com