Romwel Anzures

University of Santo Tomas’ Joaqui Ludovice. Photo from NBTC.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774074209017IMG_0433.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="University of Santo Tomas’ Joaqui Ludovice. Photo from NBTC."/>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.</div>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&#x27;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&#x27;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&#x27;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&#x27;s 21 points.And CAMANAVA made sure it won&#x27;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&#x27;s 48-team field. Here&#x27;s the list of the 48 teams which will be part of the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals:1. Fil-Nation USA Select2. Phenom NZ Blue Fire3. DLSZ Junior Archers4. Letran Squires5. AG Sports Apparel Laguna6. North Luzon D&#x27; Generals Nueva Ecija7. Playtown Exclusive Cebu8. RSY Group of Companies Davao9. Top Flight Sports Canada10. UST Tiger Cubs x D&#x27;Generals11. Sequoia Hotels Camp NZ12. Arceegee - St. Clare College CAMANAVA13. Homegrown Australia14. Arellano Braves15. Crossover Canada16. UE Junior Warriors17. Magis Eagles Cebu Landmaster Inc.18. GM Botor x Troops Hoops Cavite19. Mapua Red Robins20. Liceo de Cagayan U Titans21. USJR Jaguars22. Marlins Bulacan23. D&#x27;Generals x Dynamix Creative24. Oasis Ballers Academy Eastern Samar25. Batang Tiaong RJ MEA26. Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto Davao27. CCDC Admirals Baguio28. Yes Mariveles29. Batangas Mustangs30. Don Bosco Greywolves Dumaguete31. Loverz Gadgets Zamboanga del Sur32. For the Win Pasig33. Urbana Studios x San Beda Red Cubs34. Fil-Euro Nation UK35. Filcom Germany36. Bayanihan Elite UK37. Tumakbo USA38. Canterbury Ballers Club39. Canada Central Hoops Nation40. Western Sydney Basketball Association41. Batang Europa Scandinavia42. BBA Australia43. Maharlika Malta44. Proudly Pinoy Italy45. Fil-Euro NextGen Belgium46. FilNation Select LA47. AUBA Perth48. MIC Australia Scope Med

UST led the last five entrants to the 2026 NBTC National Finals after emerging as the champions of the Wildcard Tournament.

UST led the last five entrants to the 2026 NBTC National Finals after emerging as the champions of the Wildcard Tournament.

Ludovice powers UST to Wildcard crown; Tiger Cubs lead last five teams to NBTC Nationals

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Ludovice powers UST to Wildcard crown; Tiger Cubs lead last five teams to NBTC Nationals

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Published Mar 21, 2026 02:40 PM PHT

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