The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and the National University Bulldogs have secured their spots in the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour Championship, emerging victorious from two high-octane semifinal clashes that stretched teams to their limits. UST outlasted reigning UAAP champions De La Salle University in a fiery 115-107 overtime battle, while NU staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat NCAA titlists San Beda University 83-80.
These hard-fought triumphs set the stage for a compelling showdown this Sunday at the Katipunan venue, capping a tournament that has captivated collegiate basketball fans across the Philippines. The championship game pits UST's explosive offense and newfound resilience against NU's unyielding defensive grit and remarkable ability to overcome significant deficits, promising a contest that epitomizes the raw talent and fierce competitive spirit defining the nation's collegiate sports landscape.
The Growling Tigers’ path to the final was anything but straightforward, culminating in an instant classic at the Blue Eagle Gym. What began as a high-stakes contest against the formidable Green Archers escalated dramatically in the fourth quarter when emotions boiled over. With less than nine minutes remaining in regulation, a heated exchange on the court resulted in the ejection of multiple key players, including De La Salle’s Vhoris Marasigan and UST’s Ivanne Calum, Mark Llemit, and Koji Buenaflor, amplifying the tension with every subsequent possession.
Despite the loss of key personnel, De La Salle, buoyed by the stellar performances of Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez, staged a valiant comeback. Their grit and determination were palpable as they refused to yield easily, forcing the game into overtime with the score deadlocked at 93-all. It was a testament to their fighting spirit, pushing the game beyond regulation time through sheer will.
However, UST, displaying remarkable composure in the extra period, seized control. Amiel Acido and Mur Alao delivered crucial three-pointers that created a much-needed cushion, deflecting every attempt by the Green Archers to mount another rally. Gelo Crisostomo then punctuated UST’s commanding overtime performance with a dagger triple at the 1:11 mark, extending their lead to 110-99, before Acido sealed the victory with a late layup, putting the game out of reach.
Amiel Acido was the undisputed star for the Growling Tigers, exploding for 33 points and grabbing six rebounds in a performance that showcased his leadership and scoring prowess under immense pressure. He was ably supported by Collins Akowe, who contributed a significant 24 points and nine boards, dominating the paint. Gelo Crisostomo nearly achieved a triple-double, tallying 20 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, illustrating his all-around impact on the game from start to finish.
For De La Salle, Mason Amos led the charge with 23 points, demonstrating his offensive versatility. Jacob Cortez put up an impressive 20 points and 12 assists in a losing effort, orchestrating much of the Green Archers' attack and keeping them competitive despite the adverse circumstances. Their individual brilliance, however, could not overcome the collective resolve of the Growling Tigers in the decisive overtime period.
Acido, reflecting on the arduous journey and the victory, remarked, “This is what we’ve been working hard for ever since we came back after the season, really no days off, so really glad we got the win and hopefully we get the championship tomorrow.” His sentiments encapsulated the determination fueling the Growling Tigers, acknowledging the sacrifices made. He added, “We just trusted each other talaga… even though na may mga times na hindi pumapabor sa amin. We just really have to trust each other, stay composed para mas makapag-isip kami nang maayos and were glad na naging maganda ‘yung kinalabasan,” highlighting the team’s mental fortitude under pressure.
In the other semifinal matchup, the National University Bulldogs demonstrated their own brand of resilience, overcoming a formidable San Beda University squad, the reigning NCAA champions, with a hard-fought 83-80 victory. NU’s path to the championship was paved with a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a significant 13-point deficit that had threatened to derail their campaign.
The Bulldogs orchestrated a stunning 27-19 run in the final period, transforming a 61-56 disadvantage into a decisive win through a combination of timely shots and tenacious defense. Paul Francisco ignited their resurgence with back-to-back triples that shifted the momentum squarely in NU's favor, while Paolo Palacielo delivered a critical late three-pointer that put the Bulldogs in the lead, a lead they would not relinquish.
San Beda’s Daniel Marcelo fought valiantly throughout the contest, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter alone to keep the Red Lions’ hopes alive and prevent NU from pulling away decisively. Despite his best efforts, NU held firm in the dying seconds, completing an improbable comeback that showcased their mental toughness and ability to execute under pressure.
PJ Palacielo was instrumental for the Bulldogs, leading the team with 22 points and six rebounds, stepping up with crucial baskets throughout the game. Francisco added 13 points, his timely long-range shots proving pivotal, while Reinhard Jumamoy contributed 11 markers and four boards, showcasing the balanced offensive attack of NU which allowed them to overcome their opponents. Despite his best efforts, Marcelo’s 20 points and eight rebounds were not enough to secure a spot for San Beda in the finals, marking the end of their impressive run.
NU head coach Jeff Napa acknowledged his team’s inconsistent performance but looked ahead to the improvements needed for the championship. “’Yung style of basketball, nung second half lang kami naglaro so marami pa ring kailangang trabahuhin. So we need to correct ourselves pa rin,” Napa stated, emphasizing the need for a more complete game from his squad if they are to lift the coveted trophy. The coach's remarks underscore the high standards set for the Bulldogs, even after a remarkable come-from-behind victory.
The NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour has served as a compelling platform for emerging talents and established collegiate powerhouses alike, solidifying its place as a significant event in the Philippine sports calendar. The tournament format, which has brought together top university teams, has consistently delivered high-stakes drama and showcases the depth of basketball talent across various leagues. Its culmination in this championship match highlights not just individual skill but the collective will and strategic prowess that define top-tier collegiate competition.
This final promises to be a battle of contrasting styles and unwavering wills, pitting UST's potent offense, characterized by explosive scoring and a demonstrated ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, against NU's remarkable capacity to claw back from deficits through tenacious defense and timely offensive bursts. Both teams have demonstrated their mettle, enduring significant physical and emotional challenges to reach this pinnacle, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion. The battle for third place between San Beda and La Salle is also slated for Sunday afternoon, ensuring a full day of thrilling collegiate basketball action that will round out the tournament.
As the final whistle approaches, the NSAC 2026 is primed to crown a champion forged in the fires of thrilling semifinal triumphs, with two deserving teams ready to leave everything on the court for collegiate basketball supremacy.