By el Amigo
MANILA — The Fighting Eagles Nagoya kept their composure when it mattered most, holding off a determined University of Santo Tomas comeback, 92-91, to emerge champions of the AsiaBasket National Student Athletes Champioship (NSAC) World Invitational 2026 on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Francis Lopez was at the heart of Nagoya’s championship triumph, earning Finals Most Valuable Player honors after finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block.
The former University of the Philippines forward helped the Japanese side complete a tournament sweep despite a tense finish that saw UST mount a late rally after trailing by double digits.
Tres Tinkle provided Nagoya with a game-high 24 points, together with two rebounds and two assists. Nelson Phillips also made an important contribution with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Growling Tigers were led by Collins Akowe, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and a member of the Mythical Five. Akowe recorded 20 points, 12 rebounds and two assists for UST.
UST had seized an 11-point lead earlier in the contest, but Nagoya fought back and managed to keep the Tigers at bay in the decisive moments.
Jumawan gave UST another spark, making five of seven attempts from three-point territory to finish with 20 points. Acido added 18 points, eight assists and two rebounds.
Joining Tinkle and Akowe in the Mythical Five were Lawrence Mangubat of JRU, Jeremiah Williams of Tenri University and Justin Hawkins of the Formosa Tiger Kings.
San Beda University, meanwhile, settled for third place after edging JRU, 70-69, in a closely fought battle for the bronze medal.
Torculas paced the Red Lions with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Reyes delivered 12 points, four assists and two rebounds.
San Beda built a 10-point lead and held off a late JRU challenge to finish on the podium.
Peñaverde led the Heavy Bombers with 18 points and five rebounds. Salvador knocked down four triples on his way to 16 points, while Garcia added 10 points.
elamigo/.xf
