AsiaBasket‘s NSAC 2026 tipped off last Saturday, April 11, and in just two days, it has already shown why hoops fans should be tuning in.
Home Courts, No Residency Rules, and Foreign Opportunities at NSAC 2026
Speaking exclusively with Rebanse, tournament founder Jai Reyes detailed three specific reasons why NSAC 2026 is different from previous ones.
“Mas maraming nang schools [na] interested to join… and ang iba naming ginawa is naglalaro na kami sa homecourts ng schools talaga,” said Jai.
From April 11 to May 24, NSAC 2026 games will be played at the San Beda Gym, Blue Eagle Gym, the UP Varsity Training Center, UPHSD Gymnasium, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Sports and Dorm Complex, and The Villavicencio Court Enrique M. Razon Sports Center.
“Sure ako na ‘yung mga school fans excited na makita ‘yung mga bagong player ng schools nila, so we’re giving them the chance to showcase here, even if they are not allowed to play in the UAAP and NCAA,” he added.
With residency rules preventing players like Agjanti Miller, Wello Lingolingo, and Nico Mulingtapang from suiting up for their new teams, NSAC 2026 gives them the opportunity to give fans a sneak peek of what they can do once they become eligible.
“Kanina mayroon tayong bisita from the B. League in Japan so we’re exploring a lot of partnerships with leagues abroad to open up more doors and opportunities for our local talent,” Reyes added.
With players like Justin Gutang and Arvin Tolentino already playing overseas, the international door remains open for those seeking to become Asian imports in Japan’s B. League or Korea’s KBL.
Day 1: FEU, San Beda, and Ateneo Make Statements
The FEU Tamaraws made an emphatic start, overpowering the St. Clare Saints, 72–48.
“No matter who the competition is, we need to play like it’s a UAAP game,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers exclusively to Rebanse.
FEU wasted no time asserting control, exploding to a 22–8 advantage in the opening quarter. By halftime, the Tamaraws were firmly ahead, 38–26, before tightening their grip in the third quarter to extend the margin to 56–33, effectively putting the contest out of reach.
Kirby Mongcopa spearheaded the charge with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Mo Konateh posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds.
“My three-point shooting, dribbling, and post-moves,” Konateh told Rebanse when asked which aspects of his game he wants to sharpen during the tournament.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles then took a hard-earned 71–63 win over the Lyceum Pirates. Tab Baldwin’s Blue Eagles struggled in the opening quarter but surged in the second period, stretching the lead to as much as 31–16 behind contributions from Sultan Baruwa and Grayson Rogers. LPU responded with a strong 14–0 run to cut it to a single point before Kyle Gamber’s timely three restored a 36–30 halftime cushion. Ateneo seized control in the third and, despite a late push from the Pirates, maintained composure down the stretch.
Kieffer Alas, in his debut with Ateneo, finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.
The San Beda Red Lions closed out Day 1 of NSAC 2026 with a commanding 63–48 win over the Mapua Cardinals on their home floor. The Red Lions erupted to a 24–10 lead in the first quarter, widened the gap to 35–16 at halftime, and never looked back. Daniel Marcelo led SBU with 11 points, followed by Bismark Lina’s nine.
Day 2: Arellano, NU, Benilde, and San Beda Survive Tough Tests
The Arellano Chiefs opened NSAC 2026 Day 2 with an 82–75 win over St. Clare after surviving a fourth-quarter scare. The Chiefs built a commanding 29–8 lead after the first period, but St. Clare clawed back before T-Mc Ongotan closed the door. Ongotan finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals.
The National University Bulldogs then withstood a fourth-quarter comeback by the San Sebastian Stags, 76–74. The Bulldogs led for most of the game, but tensions rose in the third quarter when head coach Jeff Napa was slapped with a double technical foul and ejected. Nath Tulabut led NU with 10 points, while Ralph Gabat paced San Sebastian with 14.
The Benilde Blazers earned their first win of the tournament with former head coach Charles Tiu back on the sidelines as active consultant. Allen Liwag carried the Blazers through the crunch, stepping up as LPU kept the game close throughout.
“Siguro dagdag kompyansa lang sa akin every game and hindi ko iniisip yun—kailangan ko lang talaga mag-step up as maging leader sa team namin,” Liwag told Rebanse after the match.
The back-to-back NCAA MVP finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists.
In the day’s most anticipated matchup, San Beda defeated La Salle, with Nygel Gonzales orchestrating a comfortable first-half lead for the Red Lions. Jacob Cortez and newly acquired Green Archer Agjanti Miller provided a third-quarter surge to draw the Green archers level, but Zedjay Etulle proved to be the difference maker in the final frame, converting crucial baskets and clutch free throws to seal the win. Etulle led San Beda with 21 points while Cortez had 16 for La Salle.
“We’re very happy on where they are, but of course, every time you play them you really have to give attention to that kind of talent,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta to Rebanse, referring to his former players Miller and Cortez.
