Davao City remained on top, but a new champion was crowned as RSY Group of Companies captured the 2026 Smart-NBTC Mindanao Regional Championship.
Duke Solon sparked a blistering start for the Davaoenos as they rolled to a 75-60 victory over the Liceo de Cagayan University Titans in the finals at the Oroquieta City Bayfront Arena on Sunday.
The pint-sized playmaker poured in 22 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out three assists, and picked up two steals as he spearheaded RSY Group’s early 13-0 run that set the tone for the championship clash.
MJ Reyes provided timely support, helping seal the win with a decisive 21-4 barrage after the Titans trimmed the deficit to four, 56-52. Reyes finished with a team-high 24 points, along with seven rebounds and three steals.
Nicko Marindoque added a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, helping offset the off-shooting night of Rolando Fortajada Jr., who was limited to five points but still pulled down 10 boards.
The Cagayan de Oro champions leaned on Von Mofar’s 17 points and five rebounds, while Micoh Idulsa was held to 13 points on a cold 1-of-11 shooting clip from deep in their runner-up finish.
Solon was rightfully named the adidas Most Outstanding Player of the Mindanao leg. He was joined in the Mythical Team by Idulsa, Rene Baterbonia of Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto (Davao City), Ejay Dupla of Loverz Gadgets (Zamboanga del Sur), and Brenan Asister of Harbor Pilot (Misamis Occidental).202
Despite the loss, both finalists booked their spots in the National Finals slated from March 22 to 29, where they will test themselves against the country’s best in the Philippine National Under-19 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).
Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto and Loverz Gadgets also secured their berths in the Nationals after claiming the final two Mindanao regional wildcard spots.
Baterbonia, last year’s Palarong Pambansa MVP, powered Off-Campus to a dominant 72-52 rout of Harbor Pilot behind 17 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks.
Loverz Gadgets, meanwhile, pulled off a 72-67 come-from-behind win over Team Parola Panaon, fueled by John Rhey Mark Calumba’s 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The four Mindanao representatives will join NCAA Season 101 champion Letran Squires and runner-up Arellano Braves among the first qualifiers for this year’s Nationals, which will feature a record 48 teams for the first time.
Additional slots will be up for grabs in the North Luzon Regional Championship, set from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the University of Baguio Gym in Baguio City.
