The Final Four for the Asiabasket NSAC 2026 is complete. The La Salle Green Archers, NU Bulldogs, San Beda Red Lions, and UST Growling Tigers are the last teams standing in the tournament after coming out victorious on quarterfinals action on Saturday at The Villavicencio Court, Enrique M. Razon Sports Center in Manila.
La Salle Overcomes Tough Challenge from FEU
La Salle escaped the FEU Tamawars, 84-83, to secure a semifinal duel against UST.
The defending UAAP champions made it count on their home floor, with Jacob Cortez leading the charge with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 11 assists. Andrei Dungo added 13 points and 3 boards in support.
The Tamaraws built a late cushion in a back-and-forth final quarter, but the Green Archers stayed within reach behind key shots from Dungo and Janti Miller.
Dungo tied it at 82-all before Janrey Pasaol gave the Tamaraws an 83-82 edge with a free throw split. Cortez answered with two clutch free throws to narrowly take an 84-83 win.
Kirby Mongcopa had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists for FEU in the loss.
PJ Palacielo and Reinhard Jumamoy Upset UP
NU, meanwhile, got past the previously unbeaten UP Fighting Maroons, 67-64, behind 18 points from PJ Palacielo. Paul Francisco and Reinhard Jumamoy added 14 points apiece, with Jumamoy also grabbing 7 rebounds.
Rey Remogat finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists in the Fighting Maroons’ loss.
The Bulldogs withstood a furious late charge from UP after Remogat caught fire for 14 fourth-quarter points to trim a 21-point deficit down to 3, 67-64, with 1:14 left.
NU stayed composed in the closing moments, forcing consecutive misses from UP’s final possessions to complete the 67-64 escape and secure the win.
Mark Llemit of UST Endures Physical Match Against Ateneo
Later, UST got the job done against Ateneo, 86-84, behind a dominant all-around showing from Mark Llemit, who finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Collins Akowe added 17 points and 8 rebounds.
The Growling Tigers held off a late rally by the Blue Eagles after building an 83-77 lead behind key baskets from Llemit and Gelo Crisostomo midway through the fourth quarter.
Ateneo answered with back-to-back triples from Grayson Rogers before Joaquin Espina trimmed the deficit to 85-84 with 10 seconds left, but Amiel Acido split his free throws in the final 5 seconds to help preserve the Tigers’ 86-84 win.
Jared Bahay led Ateneo in defeat with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Jimmy Reyes Drills the Game-Winner as San Beda Beats Rival Letran in OT
Completing the semifinal cast, reigning NCAA champion San Beda took care of Season 101 finals rival Letran Knights in overtime, 82-79.
Deadlocked at 74-all entering overtime, the Red Lions survived a late rally from the Knights as JC Bonzalida tied the game at 79-all with 1:02 left. Jimmy Reyes then drilled the go-ahead triple with 20 seconds remaining for the eventual 82-79 win.
Daniel Marcelo paced all scorers with 22 points, while Reyes contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for San Beda.
Kevin Santos and Jonathan Manalili had 16 points each for Letran, with Sherick Estrada adding 15 in defeat.
Asiabasket NSAC 2026 Semifinals Cast Complete
The semifinals tip off on Saturday, May 30, with venue details to be announced soon. But these will be the matchups:
NU Bulldogs vs. San Beda Red Lions
UST Growling Tigers vs. La Salle Green Archers
