De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, National University, and San Beda University punched their tickets to the 2026 Asiabasket NSAC semifinals after surviving a gripping quarterfinal slate on Saturday at The Villavicencio Court, Enrique M. Razon Sports Center in Manila.
The Green Archers edged the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 84-83, to set up a semifinal clash with the Growling Tigers, which survived the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 86-84.
In the other matchups, the Bulldogs held off the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 67-64, to arrange a Final Four meeting with San Beda, which outlasted archrivals Letran Knights in overtime, 82-79.
The Green Archers delivered down the stretch, with Jacob Cortez finishing with 15 points, 11 assists, and three rebounds, while Doy Dungo added 13 points and three rebounds.
Kirby Mongcopa paced FEU with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists as the Tamaraws nearly pulled off the upset after building a late cushion in the fourth quarter.
FEU grabbed a brief 83-82 lead after a split from Janrey Pasaol at the line, but Cortez calmly answered with two pressure-packed free throws to restore the lead and secure the 84-83 escape.
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NU, meanwhile, leaned on a balanced effort to survive UP’s late charge.
PJ Palacielo led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Paul Francisco and Reinhard Jumamoy chipped in 14 points each, with Jumamoy also grabbing seven rebounds.
Rey Remogat erupted for 21 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in a valiant effort for UP.
The Bulldogs appeared in control after building a 21-point lead, but Remogat ignited a furious rally with 14 fourth-quarter points to cut the deficit to 67-64 with 1:14 remaining.
NU, however, stayed composed in the final minute, forcing consecutive misses from UP to complete the escape.
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In the third quarterfinal, UST leaned on a dominant all-around showing from Mark Llemit, who finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Collins Akowe added 17 points and eight rebounds in support.
The Growling Tigers built an 83-77 cushion late in the fourth behind key baskets from Llemit and Gelo Crisostomo, but Ateneo refused to back down.
Grayson Rogers sparked a rally with back-to-back triples before Waki Espina trimmed the gap to 85-84 with 10 seconds left.
Amiel Acido then steadied UST by splitting his free throws in the final seconds to preserve the 86-84 win. Jared Bahay led Ateneo with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists in defeat.
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Completing the semifinal cast, San Beda outlasted Letran in overtime, 82-79, behind a clutch finish from Jimmy Reyes, who delivered the go-ahead triple with 20 seconds left.
Daniel Marcelo paced all scorers with 22 points, while Reyes finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Kevin Santos and Jonathan Manalili added 16 points each for Letran in defeat.
The semis will take place on May 30.
