ONLY UST x D'Generals stands in Fil-Am Nation USA's way from a three-peat in the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls.
The Fil-Ams are back in the title game of the Philippine under-19 national championship, but not before needing to battle back from a seven-point deficit in the last five minutes to ultimately take down Arceegee-St. Clare, 79-74, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Saints, rulers of the Metro Manila regionals, were on their way to a massive upset, protecting a 70-63 lead midway through the final frame thanks to Clintone Pico's fastbreak layup.
Showing championship poise, though, Fil-Am Nation USA went on a rumbling 14-1 rally in the next five minutes behind Blaze Johnson and Trey Pinkard to, all of a sudden, go up, 77-71.
Arceegee-St. Clare still had 8.1 seconds to make something happen, but Gian Gamala's last-gasp trey proved too little too late.
In the end, Johnson posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with five assists, while Pinkard got 16 markers, five dimes, and four boards of his own. Elias Gish also imposed his will down low with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for the Fil-Ams who have a golden opportunity to match National U's three titles in a row from 2018 to 2023.
That's easier said than done, however, especially with the Tiger Cubs coming off an 86-76 domination of University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Joaqui Ludovice caught fire for 32 points on 8-of-13 shooting on top of three assists and three rebounds, as UST x D'Generals stays on track in its redemption campaign after just having been recently dethroned in UAAP Season 88 and needing to rule over the Wildcard Tournament to get into the National Finals.
NBTC Division 2 finals
Another title defense remains alive and kicking, as Top Flight Hoops is also one win away from going back-to-back in Division 2 after outclassing fellow Canadian team Crossover, 96-76.
Riley Santa Juana continued shining bright with 26 points, eight assists, and three rebounds for Top Flight Hoops, which now awaits its last challenge in the form of Mapua.
The Red Robins booked their ticket to the title game by downing Mindanao regional champion RSY Group of Companies, 80-76, thanks to the efforts of Froilan Reyes who had 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Both Division 1 and 2 finals will be played on Sunday, as the NBTC first puts on its annual All-Star showcase on Saturday.
Kieffer Alas will play for the last time in Madness in MOA alongside UAAP boys' MVP Cabs Cabonilas and Team Heart against Maco Dabao-captained and NCAA juniors MVP Sean Franco-reinforced Team Hustle at 6:30 p.m.
READ: Kieffer Alas heads to Ateneo as first four-time NBTC All-Star
The Girls' All-Star Game will tip off at 5 p.m. after the Manila Showcase at 1:30 p.m. and side events at 3 p.m.
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