Only the University of Santo Tomas stands between Fil-Am Nation USA and a three-peat in the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals, presented by SM Supermalls.
The Fil-Ams returned to the title game of the Philippine under-19 national championship, but not without a fight.
Fil-Am Nation battled back from a lead that stretched as high as 21 points and overcame a seven-point deficit in the final five minutes to ultimately defeat Arceegee-St. Clare, 79-74, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Saints, champions of the Metro Manila regionals, looked poised for a massive upset, holding a 70-63 lead midway through the final frame thanks to Clintone Pico’s fastbreak layup.
Showing championship poise, Fil-Am Nation went on a thunderous 14-1 run over the next five minutes, powered by Blaze Johnson and Trey Pinkard, to seize the lead, 77-71.
Arceegee-St. Clare had 8.1 seconds to mount a final push, but Gian Gamala’s last-second three-pointer proved too little, too late.
(C) NBTC
Johnson finished with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding five assists, while Pinkard contributed 16 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Elias Gish dominated inside with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, helping the Fil-Ams position themselves for a chance to match National University Nazareth School’s three consecutive titles from 2018 to 2023.
That task won’t be easy, especially against the Tiger Cubs, who came off an 86-76 win over the University of San Jose-Recoletos Baby Jaguars.
Joaqui Ludovice erupted for 32 points on 8-of-13 shooting, adding three assists and three rebounds.
UST x D’Generals remains on track in its redemption campaign, having recently been dethroned in UAAP Season 88 and forced to secure a spot in the National Finals through the Wildcard Tournament.
