St. Jude College Dasmarinas celebrates after winning the Division 2 championship in the 2025 Smart-NBTC National Finals, April 6, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Hero Dela Pena, NBTC

MANILA -- St. Jude College Dasmarinas pulled away for a 93-88 victory over Top Flight Hoops-Canada to emerge as Division 2 champions in the 2025 Smart-NBTC National Finals, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fil-Canadians, the defending Division 2 champions, led by two points at halftime but their advantage was erased as SJCDC fired a 19-point third quarter to take a one-point advantage heading into the final frame.

Nexel Aguilo then rose to the occasion and matched the bright lights with 10 points and only one missed attempt. It was his shot with under two minutes remaining that mounted SJCDC's largest lead at 88-80.

"Maraming salamat sa NBTC sa patuloy na pagbigay ng tsansa para sa mga kabataang makapaglaro rito," said head coach Willson Ang. "Dahil dun, naniwala pa rin kami na kahit papaano, sa dulo, may pupuntahan kami."

Aguilo, the Division 2 Most Outstanding Player, wound up with 23 points, five steals, and four assists despite zero attempts from deep and just one trip to the line. Running mate Stanley Gicoso then scored 14 points, while also penetrating the passing lanes with six steals.

READ: Fil-Am Nation Select repeats as NBTC Division 1 champions

The two were recognized as members of the Division 2 Mythical Team for their tournament-long brilliance. Also joining them were Top Flight's Chad Gammad and Joey Panghulan and DPR Aviation College-Bulacan's John Lord Cruz.

Arvin Ruba posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double as well for the newly-crowned Division 2 kings of the grassroots program also sponsored by MNL Kingpin, Molten, Pocari Sweat, Burlington, Swish, and Buffalo's Wings N' Things.

That proved to be enough for the Thaddeans to endure another 30-point barrage by Fil-Canadian top gun Gammad, who rained down six three-pointers on top of five rebounds.