PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Last year's quarterfinals left a terrible taste in the mouth of National Capital Region, as it got dethroned by upstart Western Visayas.
Eion Braga and Brian Orca made sure NCR turned the tables in the same stage of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa secondary boys' basketball tournament, dropping a 30-point hammer on the head of Northern Mindanao, 95-65, on Friday at the EOC Evacuation Center of the Datu Lipus Makapandong Governor D.O. Plaza Sports Complex here.
University of the East-backed Metro Manila took control right from tip-off, unloading 39 points in the first quarter and never relinquishing both the lead and the momentum until the final buzzer.
Orca poured in all but two of his 10 points in the second period then Braga dominated the third frame where he scored nine of his total of 11.
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Awaiting NCR in the semifinals later in the day is defending champion Davao, led by reigning MVP Rene 'Bebot' Baterbonia.
Central Luzon vs. CALABARZON
The other semis showdown then features CALABARZON and Central Luzon, which pulled off a convincing 73-57 victory vs. Western Visayas.
Daniel Hernandez caught fire with 27 points, as Migz Lugtu also added five markers.
READ: Don't sleep on Central Luzon's new go-to-guy in Palarong Pambansa
Pampanga DELTA actually found itself down by two at halftime before getting into its groove and getting the better of Region VI, powered by St. Robert's Academy, by the score of 38-21 in the last two quarters.
Region III will now do its darndest to advance to the finals, where it just fell short a year ago before salvaging a bronze medal.
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