LAGUNA achieved redemption as AG Sports Apparel captured the 2026 Smart-NBTC South Luzon Regional Championship.
After settling for runner-up honors a year ago, the Laguna squad finally broke through with a thrilling 81-80 victory over GM Botor x Troops Hoops on Saturday at Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas City.
Zedrick Castillo earned the adidas Most Outstanding Player honors, capping off a stellar performance with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Castillo stepped up in the limited minutes given to injured starting point guard Mark Clarence Piana.
Prince Shey Palma led AG Sports Apparel with 16 points and five rebounds, while Ryoma Clyde Sarno added a double-double of 13 points and 13 boards. Wham Keifer Duenas also contributed 10 points in the win.
Jancarl Gadlan, last year’s MOP, had a chance to win it for GM Botor x Troops Hoops, but his three-pointer in the final 10 seconds rimmed out. He finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Mythical Five member Tristan James Catucod added 19 points, four rebounds, and four steals.
Both finalists have already secured their tickets to the National Finals from March 22 to 29, where they will compete against the best in the Philippine national 19-under tournament, supported by adidas, Foot Locker, Molten, Buffalo’s Wings N Things, The Lighthouse Group, Pocari Sweat, Omni, Swish, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Joining Castillo and Catucod in the Mythical Team are Jimboy Cambal of Batang Tiaong (Quezon), Nikko Rosales of Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas Mustangs, and Zedrick Sabalza of Holy Trinity Binangonan Spartans (Rizal).
Batang Tiaong and CLB Mustangs also punched their tickets to the Nationals through the regional wildcard. Batang Tiaong dominated fellow Quezon team Betterlife-Enverga U Wildcats, 75-51, led by Liam Kyle Sinag’s 15 points and seven rebounds.
CLB Mustangs became the first Batangas team since 2023 to reach this stage after a thrilling 99-94 escape over Holy Trinity Binangonan, powered by Rosales’ 28-point explosion.
All 16 slots from the Regional Championships have been awarded for the 48-team National Finals, which will feature the champions and runner-ups from the UAAP and NCAA, along with a record 21 international teams.
The final five tickets will be up for grabs from March 17 to 20 at the Metro Manila Regional Championship in University of Makati and the Wildcard Tournament at Gameville Ball Park to complete the roster.
