Philippine Basketball Association powerhouse TNT Tropang Giga and Uratex Dream delivered impressive performances to rule the National Finals of the Red Bull Half Court 2023 over the weekend at the Taguig Community Center.

Composed of Almond Vosotros, Ping Exciminiano, Gryann Mendoza and Lervin Flores, the Tropang Giga pulled off a 21-20 win over CAVITEX in the final to win the title and book a slot in the World Finals that will be held in Serbia in September.

Vosotros, who was part of the team that settled for silver medal in the men's 3×3 event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games last month, said their experience and familiarity with each other served as their biggest weapon in sealing the victory.

"For me, our experience is always there. It's really a big help for me so I can learn and my teammates can adapt to it. We've been together for quite some time. I think that has been our biggest advantage in this game," Vosotros said.

Meanwhile, Uratex Dream displayed grace under pressure to register a 16-13 win over Team FILA to join the Tropang Giga in the world tilt in Serbia.

Mikka Cacho knocked down a free throw in the final 1.1 seconds to seal the victory that she shared with teammates Kaye Pingol, Samantha Harada and Blanche Bahuyan.

"We really prepared for it and we will prepare even more for the World Finals in Serbia," said Peachy Medina, the team owner of the Uratex Dream that posted a 5-0 sweep en route to winning the title.

"It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. We hope to represent the Philippines and Philippine basketball well at such a grand event like the Red Bull World Finals where you get to play against more than 20 countries."

Tournament commissioner Coach Eric Altamirano expressed delight, saying that the successful tourney is just the beginning for Red Bull Half Court Philippines.

"I think it's a good start for Red Bull Half Court and I think they're going to do this every year, so this is a good jumping point for the program," he said.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of entries next year and everyone will be looking forward to it."