Adamson University and National University lived up to their billing as title contenders, emerging as the top seeds in their respective groups at the conclusion of the 2026 UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament group stage on Tuesday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.
The Soaring Falcons swept their way into the playoffs after scoring back-to-back 2-0 victories over Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines on Day 2, finishing the group stage undefeated.
Adamson, which missed the playoffs in each of the past two tournaments, stole the spotlight in the group stage after becoming the only team to sweep all of its matches and enter the medal rounds with plenty of momentum.
“We were expecting to sweep the group talaga. Yung preparation kasi namin all throughout mga isang taon. So one year na preparation para lang sa tatlong araw na to kaya ayaw na namin sayangin yung moment,” explained Soaring Falcons head coach John Carlo Argonza on his team’s approach in the group stage.
“Yung players din nagdala. Yung galing nila pinapakita nila every game,” he added.
Adamson opened the day with a clinical performance against FEU, with Fhrance Hilario tallying five kills and three assists as the Soaring Falcons built a commanding 10-2 kill advantage heading into the first Lord objective.
Prince Valero then delivered the finishing blow in the 14th minute, securing a triple kill during a decisive 5-for-0 wipeout that sealed Game 1 and immediately eliminated the Tamaraws from playoff contention.
FEU managed to keep Game 2 competitive but had no answer for Hilario, who erupted for 10 kills and five assists to power Adamson to the series sweep.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Against UP, the Soaring Falcons cruised to a 14-minute victory in Game 1 behind Hilario’s seven kills and four assists, highlighted by a Maniac killing streak in the closing moments that punctuated Adamson’s dominant performance.
The Fighting Maroons mounted a more resilient stand in Game 2 and dragged the contest deep into the late game, but Adamson ultimately seized control during a crucial Lord fight in the 24th minute, securing a 3-for-0 wipe before launching the series-clinching base turret push.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, in Group A, NU opened with a rousing 2-0 sweep of the University of the East before suffering a 2-0 loss to defending champion De La Salle University.
The defeat left the door open for the Green Aces to overtake the Bulldogs in the standings, but La Salle needed another sweep in its final assignment against the University of Santo Tomas to claim the top spot.
“We’re thankful that we were able to qualify to the playoffs, but at the same time, with a loss to DLSU, mas nag-ground kami. Wake-up call samin to sa reality na marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin, and entering the playoffs, we’ll take this as a learning experience to be able to perform better tomorrow,” said NU head coach Ernest Del Rosario on their loss to La Salle.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Despite the loss, the Bulldogs secured the top seed after earning two wins via sweep, while the Green Aces were held to a 1-1 draw by the University of Santo Tomas in Group A’s final match.
The two group leaders headline the crossover semifinals, with Adamson taking on defending champion La Salle and NU facing UP.
