University of Santo Tomas completed a flawless run to the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour title, defeating National University, 95-84, in the championship game on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
UST weathered a late NU rally behind Mo Diassana’s relentless work on the boards, but the Growling Tigers responded to every challenge.
Collins Akowe scored inside, while Amiel Acido knocked down a triple to keep UST comfortably ahead, 87-80, with 3:49 remaining.
Acido later split a pair of free throws before Finals MVP Mark Llemit buried a dagger three-pointer, stretching the lead to 95-84 with just 55 seconds left. From there, the Growling Tigers controlled the defensive glass and ran out the clock to secure the championship.
“‘Yung chemistry and camaraderie ng team it showed off in this championship. Actually pagod na ‘yung mga players namin pero it’s their will to win and ginawan nila ng paraan and nakakatuwa kasi it’s a good boost for us preparing for the UAAP. We’re thankful na there’s a league like Asiabasket that we’re able to face ‘yung mga malalakas na opponents. Good preparation for us,” said UST assistant coach Japs Cuan.
(C) Asiabasket
Llemit earned Finals MVP honors after producing a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Akowe added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
“Sobrang malaking bagay samin [‘yung championship] kasi nagre-rebuild kami kasi maraming mga bago. And nakuha namin ‘yung parang opportunity na manalo kami ngayon. Masaya ako then ‘yung mga rookies naman namin nakakuha naman ng kumpiyansa,” said Llemit.
Reinhard Jumamoy paced the Bulldogs with 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while Macmac Alfanta contributed 11 points.
(C) Asiabasket
Meanwhile, defending UAAP champion De La Salle University avenged its group-stage loss to reigning NCAA champion San Beda University with a 78-61 victory in the battle for third place.
The Green Archers pulled away in the final minutes, converting San Beda misses and turnovers into transition baskets through Janti Miller and Luis Pablo. The Red Lions struggled from beyond the arc and failed to capitalize on second-chance opportunities as the deficit continued to grow.
La Salle maintained control of the tempo down the stretch and cruised to the 78-61 win.
Miller led the Green Archers with 18 points and three rebounds against his former team, while Pablo chipped in 11 points and six rebounds.
For San Beda, Lawrence Hawkins posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. Daniel Marcelo and JC Bonzalida added nine points each.
Jacob Cortez was named Tournament MVP and headlined the NSAC College Basketball Campus Tour All-Tournament Team.
Joining him were La Salle teammate Mason Amos, NU’s Mo Diassana, San Beda’s Daniel Marcelo, and UST’s Gelo Crisostomo, all of whom earned recognition based on their index of success while helping their respective teams secure top-four finishes.
