The last two days of the elimination round of Asiabasket’s NSAC 2026 took place at the UP Varsity Training Center over the weekend, and they were full of highlights as well as a surprising debut from a top recruit.
Day 4: Andy Gemao Makes UP Debut
On Saturday, highly touted prospect Andy Gemao suited up for the UP Fighting Maroons. Memorably, he made the marginal free throws to give UP an 81-80 win against the Benilde Blazers.
Benilde controlled most of the contest, building a lead of as much as 18 points. Even when Gemao made his first basket in the second quarter, the Fighting Maroons had to crawl their way back into the game.
The Blazers still held an 80-71 advantage midway through the fourth quarter. UP, however, mounted a spirited rally behind Gani Stevens and Rey Remogat, trimming the deficit with timely baskets and a crucial three-pointer. The Fighting Maroons’ defense, anchored by Stevens and Jacob Bayla, limited Benilde’s scoring opportunities and kept the Katipunan-based squad within striking distance.
Gemao then took over in the closing stretch. He knocked down a pull-up jumper to bring UP to within one before calmly sinking two free throws with 3.7 seconds left, giving the Fighting Maroons their first lead of the game.
The Blazers had one final chance, but Matthew Jucom missed a last-second three-point attempt.
Gemao led the charge with 19 points, including 10 in the final quarter. He also had 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Stevens added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Remogat chipped in 13 markers as UP went 2-0.
Other games on Saturday:
San Beda Red Lions—66
Adamson Soaring Falcons—61
FEU Tamaraws—89
Arellano Chiefs—76
UST Growling Tigers—80
Perpetual Help Altas—57
Day 5: UST Stays Perfect
The UST Growling Tigers ended their elimination schedule in a convincing way as they went 3-0 after beating San Sebastian, 102-63, on Sunday.
San Sebastian showed early resistance, even grabbing a brief 14-11 lead, but UST quickly regained control behind a barrage of three-pointers. An explosive closing run in the opening quarter, capped by long-range shots by Amiel Acido and Kirk Cañete, pushed the Tigers ahead, 32-23.
UST carried that momentum into the second period, outscoring the Stags by double digits to stretch the lead to 57-38 at halftime. The España-based squad continued to pull away in the third, opening with a dominant run that ballooned the gap to over 30 before settling at 81-50 heading into the final frame.
Acido and Kris Porter led a balanced attack with 13 points apiece. John Ynot paced the Stags with 12 points.
Other games on Sunday:
NU Bulldogs—64
Perpetual Help Altas—60
Mapua Cardinals—67
Adamson Soaring Falcons—64
Letran Knights—106
Arellano University—100
UP Fighting Maroons—102
Lyceum Pirates—82
Knockout Stage Pairings
The knockout stage of NSAC 2026 begins on May 2, Saturday. The pairings will be as follows:
