MANILA — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers strengthened their preparations for the upcoming collegiate season by capturing the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour crown after turning back National University (NU), 95-84, in the championship game on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
UST broke away in the final minutes of a tightly contested title showdown, leaning on the clutch performances of Mark Llemit, Collins Akowe, and Amiel Acido to deny the Bulldogs’ comeback bid and complete an impressive championship run.
The Bulldogs threatened to close the gap behind the efforts of Mo Diassana, but the Growling Tigers responded with timely baskets from Akowe inside the paint and a crucial three-pointer from Acido that preserved a seven-point advantage with less than four minutes remaining.
Llemit then helped put the game out of reach after splitting his free throws before draining a long-range shot that extended UST’s lead to 95-84 with only 55 seconds left.
The Growling Tigers dominated the defensive boards down the stretch and managed the clock efficiently to secure the tournament championship.
Llemit was named Finals Most Valuable Player after finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Akowe contributed a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Following the victory, Llemit said the championship was a significant boost for a UST squad currently undergoing a rebuilding process.
“Sobrang malaking bagay samin [‘yung championship] kasi nagre-rebuild kami kasi maraming mga bago. And nakuha namin ‘yung parang opportunity na manalo kami ngayon. Masaya ako then ‘yung mga rookies naman namin nakakuha naman ng kumpiyansa,” said Llemit.
NU received strong performances from Reinhard Jumamoy, who tallied 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while Carl Alfanta added 11 markers. Diassana also spearheaded the Bulldogs’ offensive charge in the losing effort.
In the battle for third place, reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University defeated NCAA titleholder San Beda University, 78-61.
Agjanti Miller led the Green Archers with 18 points and three rebounds against his former team, while Manuel Luis Pablo chipped in 11 points and six rebounds as La Salle ended its campaign with a victory./PN
