University of Santo Tomas’ Joaqui Ludovice. Photo from NBTC.MANILA — University of Santo Tomas led the last five entrants to the 2026 NBTC National Finals after emerging as the champions of the Wildcard Tournament.
Most Outstanding Player Joaqui Ludovice anchored the España crew to victory, dropping 22 points built on six treys to preside over the 96-87 victory over D'Generals x Dynamix Creative on Friday at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.
Fellow Mythical Team member Jhon Lee Melano is just as solid with his 20 points and three rebounds, assuring that the Tiger Cubs head to the Nationals, which starts on Sunday at STI Pasay EDSA, with momentum on their side.
It's a sweet redemption for UST which failed on its title retention bid in the UAAP Season 88 boys basketball tournament and will now try to make another deep run to the National Finals this time out after reaching the Division 1 Fearless Four last year.
D'Generals x Dynamix Creative, though, still fought hard behind Mythical Team members Ruzzel del Poso, who uncorked 21 points from five treys, and Jhillian Palis, who had 18 points and eight assists.
Andrei Ugaddan completed the Mythical Team as he spearheaded Urbana Studios x San Beda to a 90-56 rout of NABA Canada. He put up 17 points and four rebounds in the Wildcard Play-in to bring the Red Cubs back to the big dance for the first time since 2019.
For The Win of Pasig City also punched its seat to the Nationals through the play-in with a 75-58 shocker over Perpetual Altas x Next Gen HooperZ behind Bill Garcia's 21 points.
And CAMANAVA made sure it won't be left out as Arceegee - St. Clare Saints escaped ACTV x M7 of Marikina, 81-75, as it secured the lone Metro Manila Regionals ticket. Most Outstanding Player Clintone John Pico led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the clincher to complete the quintet of teams which completed this season's 48-team field.
Here's the list of the 48 teams which will be part of the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals:
1. Fil-Nation USA Select
2. Phenom NZ Blue Fire
3. DLSZ Junior Archers
4. Letran Squires
5. AG Sports Apparel Laguna
6. North Luzon D' Generals Nueva Ecija
7. Playtown Exclusive Cebu
8. RSY Group of Companies Davao
9. Top Flight Sports Canada
10. UST Tiger Cubs x D'Generals
11. Sequoia Hotels Camp NZ
12. Arceegee - St. Clare College CAMANAVA
13. Homegrown Australia
14. Arellano Braves
15. Crossover Canada
16. UE Junior Warriors
17. Magis Eagles Cebu Landmaster Inc.
18. GM Botor x Troops Hoops Cavite
19. Mapua Red Robins
20. Liceo de Cagayan U Titans
21. USJR Jaguars
22. Marlins Bulacan
23. D'Generals x Dynamix Creative
24. Oasis Ballers Academy Eastern Samar
25. Batang Tiaong RJ MEA
26. Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto Davao
27. CCDC Admirals Baguio
28. Yes Mariveles
29. Batangas Mustangs
30. Don Bosco Greywolves Dumaguete
31. Loverz Gadgets Zamboanga del Sur
32. For the Win Pasig
33. Urbana Studios x San Beda Red Cubs
34. Fil-Euro Nation UK
35. Filcom Germany
36. Bayanihan Elite UK
37. Tumakbo USA
38. Canterbury Ballers Club
39. Canada Central Hoops Nation
40. Western Sydney Basketball Association
41. Batang Europa Scandinavia
42. BBA Australia
43. Maharlika Malta
44. Proudly Pinoy Italy
45. Fil-Euro NextGen Belgium
46. FilNation Select LA
47. AUBA Perth
48. MIC Australia Scope Med