Camille Naredo

Nueva Ecija D'Generals celebrate after winning the NBTC North Luzon Regionals crown. Handout/NBTC

Nueva Ecija D'Generals celebrate after winning the NBTC North Luzon Regionals crown.

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NBTC

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17701929743481306.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Nueva Ecija D&#x27;Generals celebrate after winning the NBTC North Luzon Regionals crown. Handout/NBTC" width="960"/>Nueva Ecija D&#x27;Generals celebrate after winning the NBTC North Luzon Regionals crown. Handout/NBTC</div>MANILA -- Nueva Ecija emerged as champions of NBTC North Luzon in 2026, with D&#x27;Generals turning back Bulacan, 91-89, on Tuesday at the University of Baguio Cardinals Gym.Jhonlord Cruz scored 19 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in the clincher, including the game-sealing block on Jerald Raymundo as time expired to hold off a furious fourth quarter rally from the Bulakenyos.The monster double-double capped a memorable campaign for Cruz -- one that saw him set a new NBTC record for most rebounds per game after hauling down 27 boards in the semifinals against Yes Mariveles, en route to being named as the adidas Most Outstanding Player.Fellow Mythical Team member Jairus Armendez also did damage with 19 points built on three triples, on top of four boards, four assists, and two steals, while Nueva Ecija also drew big games from Alfie Jay Pacaldo, who nabbed a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Peter Hendrick Junior, who had 19 points and four boards.The Marlins refused to go down without a fight, crawling back from a 14-point deficit, 72-58, early in the fourth and leaned on Christian James Manlapaz (19 points and eight rebounds) and Justine Dave Batibot (21 points).Manlapaz was also part of the Mythical Five together with Mark Khelvin Macalinao of Yes Mariveles (Bataan) and Mark Daniel Dela Cruz of CCDC Admirals (Benguet).The two finalists will represent North Luzon in the National Finals from March 22 to 29 where they will play with the best teams in the Philippine national 19-under tournament.Yes Mariveles and CCDC Admirals have also punched their tickets to the Nationals through the regional wildcard, making the most of their second chances to complete the North Luzon cast.The Bataan champs routed PPG Tarlac, 102-78, behind Macalinao&#x27;s 13 points as six other players scored in double figures.CCDC also eked out a 74-72 decision over Quezon Nueva Ecija, with Dela Cruz firing 16 points and seven rebounds and Joel Christ Ancheta scoring 14.Attention now shifts to the Visayas Regional Championship on Feb. 11 to 14 with Tacloban City Convention Center serving as the main host.

Nueva Ecija emerged as champions of NBTC North Luzon in 2026, with D'Generals turning back Bulacan, 91-89, on Tuesday at the University of Baguio Cardinals Gym.

Nueva Ecija emerged as champions of NBTC North Luzon in 2026, with D'Generals turning back Bulacan, 91-89, on Tuesday at the University of Baguio Cardinals Gym.

Nueva Ecija secures NBTC North Luzon Regionals crown

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Nueva Ecija secures NBTC North Luzon Regionals crown

ABS-CBN News

Published February 04, 2026 04:46 PM PHT

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