Kieffer Alas made sure his final NBTC appearance was unforgettable.
The four-time NBTC All-Star closed out his youth basketball chapter with a bang, pouring in 23 points to lift Team Heart past Team Hustle, 110-108, in the 2026 ANTA All-Star Game at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The 18-year-old DLSZ Junior Archer, who recently committed to Ateneo, shot 9-of-17 from the field—including five triples—while also adding five assists and four rebounds.
His clutch performance capped a three-year run as one of the Philippines’ premier 19-under talents.
“I feel old. From calling people kuya to being called kuya,” Alas joked, reflecting on his journey since becoming the youngest NBTC All-Star at just 15. “Playing NBTC helped me mature. I went through a lot of setbacks, and I’ll use this as motivation in the UAAP.”
Alas’ defining moment came with a high-pressure, top-of-the-key three-pointer that sparked a five-point run, erasing a one-point deficit with just over a minute left and giving Team Heart a 110-106 lead.
From there, disciplined defense sealed the victory as Team Hustle’s Henry Suico scored inside, and Seann Franco missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.
Supporting Alas was Ray Ladica, who chipped in 14 points and four rebounds, while Joaqui Ludovice scored all eight of his points in the final six minutes to help close the game.
Team Hustle leaned heavily on Kelly Coronel, who tallied 35 points and six rebounds, though he was rested in the closing moments.
(C) NBTC
The Girls’ ANTA All-Star Game saw Team Pride dominate Team Passion, 142-112, powered by Lea Pinuela’s 14 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
(C) NBTC
In the Manila Showcase, the Prospects rolled past the Aspirants, 121-96, with Jason Bundalian leading the way with 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Side-event winners included Froilan Reyes of Mapua in the Three-Point Shootout; Team North Luzon (Jairus Armendez, Mark Den Cruz, Mark Khelvin Macalinao) in the Shooting Stars; and Chase Robertson of Tumakbo USA in the Skills Challenge.
The 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM conclude on Sunday, with the Division 1 championship featuring Fil-Am Nation USA defending their title against UST x D’Generals, while Mapua and defending Division 2 champion Top Flights Canada clash for the Division 2 crown.
