Romwel Anzures

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MANILA — Last year’s NBTC National Finals championship rivals Phenon NZ Blue Fire and Fil-Am Nation Select USA concluded the first day of seeding for the 2026 National Finals with a close bout that concluded in the Pasay City team’s favor.Kieffer Alas led the team in his return with 21 points, eight rebounds, and four triples to fend off Fil-Am’s Trey Pinkard, who went band-for-band with 27 points and five three-pointers of his own.Both squads traded spurts throughout the first and second quarter before a closer-fought second half, where Blue Fire’s supporting cast emerged in the form of Arle Podador, who had 15, including four crucial points down the stretch, and newcomer Elijah Williams, who chipped in 12 points on an efficient clip.Quali Giran stood his ground as Pinkard’s second-best flank, delivering 20 points and six rebounds, but a 23-point performance from Phenom in the final frame sealed their fate and gave them a loss on the home opener.The champions of the recently-concluded regional championships squared off today as well, which began with Visayas kings Playtown Exclusive taking down AG Sports Apparel in a cardiac finish.AJ Ejurango scored the go-ahead basket with a minute and 23 seconds remaining, which would serve as the game-winner that would hand the South Luzon champions their first loss.He finished with 13 points, followed by Luke Brent Dy and Visayas Most Outstanding Player J Lord Pepito, who chipped in 11 points with the former adding 11 rebounds as well.Zedrick Castillo mustered up 15 markers for AG Sports Apparel’s losing effort, while Vann Lexus Durian’s 11 points rounded up the only double-digit performance on their team.Meanwhile, the clash between North Luzon and Davao ended in favor of the former as D’Generals of Nueva Ecija averted a fourth-quarter comeback from RSY Group of Companies.Eric Genil led the way with 18 points and three rebounds, while North Luzon MOP Jhonlord Cruz flanked with 13 points and five boards.RSY benefitted from hefty reinforcement, gaining the services of Toyland Bistro’s Joseph Dumdum, who chipped in 14 points and five boards for his new squad.Still, even with Dumdum being paired with their title-winning duo of Duke Solon and Rolando Fortajada, who combined for 39 points, D’Generals delivered just enough pressure in the closing minutes to ensure the 80-76 victory.

Last year's NBTC National Finals championship rivals Phenon NZ Blue Fire and Fil-Am Nation Select USA concluded the first day of seeding for the 2026 National Finals with a close bout that concluded in the Pasay City team’s favor.

Last year's NBTC National Finals championship rivals Phenon NZ Blue Fire and Fil-Am Nation Select USA concluded the first day of seeding for the 2026 National Finals with a close bout that concluded in the Pasay City team’s favor.

NBTC: Alas claps back as Phenom Blue Fire takes down Fil-Am Nation USA

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NBTC: Alas claps back as Phenom Blue Fire takes down Fil-Am Nation USA

ABS-CBN News

Published March 23, 2026 04:40 PM PHT

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Kieffer Alas

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