University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs secured the last of the five wildcard berths to the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls after claiming the championship of the Wildcard Tournament.
Most Outstanding Player Joaqui Ludovice led the Espana-based squad to victory, scoring 22 points, including six three-pointers, to power the Tiger Cubs past D’Generals x Dynamix Creative, 96-87, on Friday at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.
Fellow Mythical Team member Jhon Lee Melano added 20 points and three rebounds, ensuring that UST enters the Nationals—set to tip off Sunday at STI Pasay EDSA—with momentum on their side.
The triumph marks a sweet redemption for UST, which fell short in its title defense during the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament.
Last year, the Tiger Cubs reached the Division 1 Fearless Four, and this year they aim to make another deep run in the National Finals.
Despite the loss, D’Generals x Dynamix Creative put up a strong fight behind Mythical Team members Ruzzel del Poso, who contributed 21 points with five treys, and Jhillian Palis, who tallied 18 points and eight assists in the finale of this event supported by Smart Sports, SM Mall of Asia Arena, Molten, Pocari Sweat, Omni, Gameville, Playtime Entertainment, G2G All Spice, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Buffalo’s Wings N Things, The Lighthouse Group, Swish, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, Andrei Ugaddan anchored Urbana Studios x San Beda, leading them to a 90-56 blowout of NABA Canada in the Wildcard Play-in.
Ugaddan contributed 17 points and four rebounds, bringing the Red Cubs back to the Nationals for the first time since 2019.
For The Win of Pasig City also punched its ticket to the Nationals after a 75-58 upset of Perpetual Altas x Next Gen HooperZ, powered by Bill Garcia’s 21 points.
Finally, CAMANAVA claimed the lone Metro Manila Regionals berth as Arceegee – St. Clare Saints edged ACTV x M7 of Marikina, 81-75.
Most Outstanding Player Clintone John Pico led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the clincher, completing the quintet of teams that round out this season’s 48-team National Finals field.
