Naughton on a roll, powers Tumakbo SoCal to 2-0 start in SLA Jr. World Showcase

Sports

TUMAKBO Southern California showcased an offensive gem in Mike Yao Naughton and got off to a stellar start in the Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) Junior World Showcase, which got underway on Wednesday, July 1, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Naughton delivered a jaw-dropping performance when he exploded for 53 points in Tumakbo SoCal’s tight 93-90 win over Fil-QLD Australia in a duel of visiting teams in Bracket B of the 15-Under Division at the Magnum Sports Complex.

Naughton turned himself into a one-man wrecking crew, going 17-of-36 from the field including a 7-of-18 clip from three-point range. He also added five rebounds in a solid 40 minutes of action.

Nathan Johnson backed Naughton with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Naughton highlighted his offensive explosion with a clutch endgame performance.

Fil-QLD Australia looked 30 seconds away from the win when it took a 90-88 lead with just 30 seconds left. Naughton then delivered, scoring on a game-tying layup with 14 seconds left before coming up with a huge steal in the next play.

Naughton was then fouled while attempting a three-pointer. The high-scoring guard coolly sank the three free throws that sealed the outcome of the contest as Fil-QLD Australia failed to get a decent attempt in the game’s final play.

Naughton stayed hot in the second day of action on Thursday, July 2, leading Tumakbo SoCal to a 74-66 drubbing of Last Shot Dubai still at the Magnum Sports Complex.

Naughton saw action for 40 minutes anew and finished with a game-high 25 points on a 9-of-22 shooting from the field. It was a double-double performance for Naughton as he also tallied 13 rebounds on top of five assists, five steals, and one blocked shot.

Johnson once again provided Naughton the much-needed support as he added 18 markers and 15 rebounds.

In other 15-U games on the opening day, Gilas Montreal of Canada dumped Ympact Ballers, 113-77, while Last Shot Dubai tripped Las Vegas USA, 76-67.

Games in the 50-team tournament are ongoing in four separate venues as of this writing.(CCM)