San Beda, Letran, Ateneo, FEU power through Round of 16 into NSAC 2026 quarterfinals

San Beda University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Ateneo de Manila University, and Far Eastern University booked spots in the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour Quarterfinals after Round of 16 wins on Saturday at the UPHSD Gymnasium in Las Piñas.

Finishing atop Group D with a 3-0 slate, San Beda advanced to the Quarterfinals after a 67-61 win over Group A fourth seed Lyceum of the Philippines.

The defending NCAA champions stayed in command down the stretch after seizing control early in the fourth, fending off Lyceum’s final push sparked by Omar Gordon and Renz Villegas. The Red Lions consistently answered with inside baskets from Bismarck Lina and JC Bonzalida, while timely rebounds and defensive stops kept them safely ahead at 65-55.

Lyceum made one last charge behind Matthew Rubico, who knocked down free throws and a late triple to cut it to six, but San Beda held its ground in the closing possessions to secure a 67-61 victory.

Daniel Marcelo finished with 15 points to lead the way, while Zedjay Etulle chipped in 11 points on three triples with four rebounds and two steals.

For the Pirates, Rubico had 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, with Lance Aurigue adding 10 in the loss.

Setting up a quarterfinal clash with the Red Lions are Group C second seed Letran, which toppled host University of Perpetual Help, 78-64.

Letran broke open a tight 62-59 contest late in the fourth, with Aaron Buensalida burying a three to ignite the surge. The Altas kept within range behind Jericho Cristino and Jim Corpuz, but the Knights responded with timely triples from Lorge Gammad triples and steady play from Manalili, who also converted a pull-up jumper, to pull away, 78-64.

Gammad delivered 23 points and a rebound in the win, while Manalili added a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists with three rebounds.

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the loss.

On the other hand, Ateneo, which finished second in Group A, advanced after a 91-83 win over Group D third seed Mapúa University. 

The Blue Eagles now await the winner of the University of Santo Tomas-St. Clare College matchup.

Trailing 75-59 entering the fourth, Mapúa rallied behind Cyrus Cuenco to cut Ateneo’s lead to 79-78, with Cuenco and Cyrus Nitura fueling the comeback attempt from deep. 

However, the Blue Eagles countered with key baskets from Jared Bahay, Divine Adili, and Jay-M Leal before Kieffer Alas’ late free throws sealed the 91-83 win. 

Michael Asoro led the Blue Eagles with 12 points, alongside five rebounds and an assist. Alas, Leal, and Adili provided steady support with 11 points each, while Shawn Tuano chipped in 10 to round out the balanced effort.

For the Cardinals, Cuenco carried the offensive load with 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Nitura backed him up with 19 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in the defeat.

Earlier that day, FEU, which topped Group C with a 3-0 record, continued its unbeaten run after eliminating Group B fourth seed San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 100-77. 

The Tamaraws will face the winner of the Green Archers-Blazers matchup in the Quarterfinals.

Mohamed Konateh finished with 19 points, 25 rebounds and an assist, anchoring the Tamaraws throughout the second half. Janrey Pasaol and Jorick Bautista added 17 points apiece, with Pasaol contributing seven rebounds and three assists in the balanced offense.

Nurben Muktimar led the Golden Stags despite the loss with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Matthew Acosta chipped in 12 points and six rebounds. 

Round of 16 action continues on May 10 at the UP Varsity Training Center in Quezon City.

News Desk

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