Camille Naredo

Blaze Johnson of Fil-Am Nation USA in action. Handout/NBTC

Blaze Johnson of Fil-Am Nation USA in action.

Article (news)

NBTC

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774682453139FilAmNationUSABlazeJohnson1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Blaze Johnson of Fil-Am Nation USA in action. Handout/NBTC" width="960"/>Blaze Johnson of Fil-Am Nation USA in action. Handout/NBTC</div>MANILA -- UST x D&#x27;Generals is standing in the way of Fil-Am Nation USA&#x27;s bid for a third straight crown in the Smart-NBTC National Finals.The Fil-Ams are back in the title game of the Philippine under-19 national championship, but not before needing to battle back from a seven-point deficit in the last five minutes to ultimately take down Arceegee-St. Clare, 79-74, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The Saints, rulers of the Metro Manila regionals, were on their way to a massive upset, protecting a 70-63 lead midway through the final frame thanks to Clintone Pico&#x27;s fastbreak layup.Fil-Am Nation USA showcased their championship poise, uncorking a 14-1 rally in the next five minutes behind Blaze Johnson and Trey Pinkard to snatch a 77-71 lead.Arceegee-St. Clare still had 8.1 seconds to make something happen, but Gian Gamala&#x27;s last-gasp trey proved too little too late.In the end, Johnson posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with five assists, while Pinkard got 16 markers, five dimes, and four boards of his own. Elias Gish also imposed his will down low with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for the Fil-Ams who have a golden opportunity to match National U&#x27;s three titles in a row from 2018 to 2023.They have a tall task ahead of them, with the Tiger Cubs coming off an 86-76 domination of University of San Jose-Recoletos.Joaqui Ludovice caught fire for 32 points on 8-of-13 shooting on top of three assists and three rebounds, as UST x D&#x27;Generals stays on track in its redemption campaign after just having been recently dethroned in UAAP Season 88 and needing to rule the Wildcard Tournament to get into the National Finals.Another title defense remains alive and kicking, as Top Flight Hoops is also one win away from going back-to-back in Division 2 after outclassing fellow Canadian team Crossover, 96-76.Riley Santa Juana continued shining bright with 26 points, eight assists, and three rebounds for Top Flight Hoops, which now awaits its last challenge in the form of Mapua.The Red Robins booked their ticket to the title game by downing Mindanao regional champion RSY Group of Companies, 80-76, thanks to the efforts of Froilan Reyes who had 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.Both Division 1 and 2 finals will be played on Sunday, as the NBTC first puts on its annual All-Star showcase on Saturday.Kieffer Alas will play for the last time in Madness in MOA alongside UAAP boys&#x27; MVP Cabs Cabonilas and Team Heart against Maco Dabao-captained and NCAA juniors MVP Sean Franco-reinforced Team Hustle at 6:30 p.m.The Girls&#x27; All-Star Game will tip off at 5 p.m. after the Manila Showcase at 1:30 p.m. and side events at 3 p.m.

UST x D'Generals is standing in the way of Fil-Am Nation USA's bid for a third straight crown in the Smart-NBTC National Finals.

UST x D'Generals is standing in the way of Fil-Am Nation USA's bid for a third straight crown in the Smart-NBTC National Finals.

Fil-Am Nation USA, UST x D'Generals contest NBTC National crown

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Fil-Am Nation USA, UST x D'Generals contest NBTC National crown

ABS-CBN News

Published March 28, 2026 03:27 PM PHT

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Smart-NBTC National Finals

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