21/03/2026
๐๐ฎ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง; ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฌ
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs x D'Generals led the last five entrants to the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls after emerging as the champions of the Wildcard Tournament.
Most Outstanding Player Joaqui Ludovice anchored the Espana crew to the victory, dropping 22 points built on six treys to preside over the 96-87 victory over D'Generals x Dynamix Creative on Friday at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.
Fellow Mythical Team member Jhon Lee Melano is just as solid with his 20 points and three rebounds, assuring that the Tiger Cubs head to the Nationals, which starts on Sunday at STI Pasay EDSA, with momentum on their side.
It's a sweet redemption for UST which failed on its title retention bid in the UAAP Season 88 boys basketball tournament and will now try to make another deep run to the National Finals this time out after reaching the Division 1 Fearless Four last year.
D'Generals x Dynamix Creative, though, still fought hard behind Mythical Team members Ruzzel del Poso, who uncorked 21 points from five treys, and Jhillian Palis, who had 18 points and eight assists on the finale of this event which is supported by Smart Sports, SM Mall of Asia Arena, Molten, Pocari Sweat, Omni, Gameville, Playtime Entertainment, G2G All Spice, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Buffalo's Wings N Things, The Lighthouse Group, Swish, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Andrei Ugaddan completed the Mythical Team as he spearheaded Urbana Studios x San Beda to a 90-56 rout of NABA Canada. He put up 17 points and four rebounds in the Wildcard Play-in to bring the Red Cubs back to the big dance for the first time since 2019.
For The Win of Pasig City also punched its seat to the Nationals through the play-in with a 75-58 shocker over Perpetual Altas x Next Gen HooperZ behind Bill Garcia's 21 points.
And CAMANAVA made sure it won't be left out as Arceegee - St. Clare Saints escaped ACTV x M7 of Marikina, 81-75, as it secured the lone Metro Manila Regionals ticket. Most Outstanding Player Clintone John Pico led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the clincher to complete the quintet of teams which completed this season's 48-team field.
