Asiabasket Launches NSAC World Invitational in Partnership with PSC and SBP

Asiabasket is set to bring Philippine collegiate basketball to the international stage with the launch of the NSAC World Invitational, an eight-team tournament featuring some of the country's top university programs alongside elite teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized by Asiabasket in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament is set for August 14 to 16, 2026, marking another milestone in the organization's commitment to growing the game and providing Filipino student-athletes with world-class competition.

Representing the Philippines are a selection of collegiate teams—the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Joining them are four international teams: Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University from Japan, Elite Stacks AUS from Australia, and National Formosa University from Taiwan.

"The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders," said Jai Reyes, Founder and CEO of Asiabasket. "We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage."

Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for their trust and support in making the tournament possible.

"We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational. Together, we're creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines," he added.

The eight-team tournament will follow a knockout format with classification games, ensuring each participating team plays three games over the course of the three-day event. Quarterfinal matches will be held on August 14, followed by the semifinals and classification games on August 15 before the tournament concludes with the championship and placement games on August 16.

More than just a competition, the NSAC World Invitational aims to strengthen basketball ties across the Asia-Pacific region while giving Filipino fans the opportunity to witness high-level international collegiate basketball on home soil.

The tournament also builds on the success of the National Student Athletes Championship, Asiabasket's flagship collegiate competition, as the organization continues to expand opportunities for student-athletes and establish Philippine collegiate basketball as a rising force in the region.

Additional details, including the official venue, ticket information, match schedule, and broadcast plans, will be announced in the coming weeks.

UP boosts ceiling with Ka, Francis commitments

Kennan Ka (c/o UP WBT)

Lack of size has been addressed for the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT) with the entry of a Fil-Am one-and-done player and a new Nigerian foreign student-athlete.

Six-foot Kennan Ka and 6-1 Blessing Chuole Francis have arrived to add much-welcome height for the Fighting Maroons in the oncoming UAAP Season 89.

The 22-year-old Ka recently starred for Long Beach State before committing to play one season for State U. Despite the San Diego, California native's size, she actually also brings ballhandling and playmaking to complement stalwarts Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Kaye Pesquera.

Francis, age 21, is then a traditional inside presence who finally fills the space once occupied by former Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who powered UP to a playoff berth in Season 86.

"Talagang big boost sila sa atin because, as we all saw, height is what we had been lacking in the last two years," said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano.

Francis will join forces with veterans Achrissa Maw and Ninay Tapawan up front, as the Fighting Maroons try to get back into the Final Four picture after fifth and seventh-place finishes in the past couple of seasons.

For her part, Ka will also provide valuable experience for a maroon-and-green side ushering in a new era under the watchful eye of a school legend who once led its men's basketball team to a title.

"We have high hopes for the upcoming season, but at the same time, we know how competitive the field is. So the first thing we want to do is just to compete," said Altamirano, who teamed up with the likes of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in UP's 1986 championship.

Catantan defeat concludes individual portion of FIE World Championships for the Philippines

Photo as shared by Lee Ergina

Samantha Kyle Catantan's R64 defeat to Canadian fencer Jessica Guo concludes the participation of the Philippines in the individual portion of the FIE World Championships taking place at the AsiaWorld Expo in Hong Kong.

Guo, a two-time NCAA champion in women's foil for Harvard, started off strong and never looked back, erecting an 8-2 lead. Whilst Catantan managed to whittle down the deficit to as low as two, the Canadian managed to settle things down and take control for an 15-8 victory in the round of 64.

As a result, the Penn State standout finished in 52nd place.

Catantan shared her thoughts through an instagram story, "Ending the individual season with a tough loss today, with lots of reflection and adjustments for the next season. We're slowly building up again and can't wait to start the next one with hopes to compete a full season for the first time."

The former UAAP high school Most Valuable Player for the University of the East and QC SEP alumna adds, "Deeply grateful to everyone who made my comeback at World Champs possible, you know who you all are."

Claiming the individual titles in all disciplines are as follows

Men's Foil

Alexander Choupenitch (Czechia), Filippo Macchi (Italy), Daniel Dosa (Hungary) & Kazuki Iimura (Japan) 

Women's Epee

Sera Song (Korea Republic), Giulia Rizza (Italy), Barbara Brych (Poland) & Junyao Tang (China PR) 

Men's Epee

Lucas Malcotti (Switzerland), Davide Di Veroli (Italy), Khalifah Alomairi (Saudi Arabia) & Masaru Yamada (Japan) 

Women's Sabre

Larissa Eifler (Germany), Sara Balzer (France), Toscane Tori (France) & Sugar Katinka Battai (Hungary) 

Women's Foil

Martina Favaretto (Italy), Arianna Errigo (Italy), Alina Poloziuk (Ukraine) & Yuka Ueno (Japan) 

Men's Sabre

Pavel Graudyn (Russia), Gyeongdong Do (Korea Republic), Mohamed Amer (Egypt) & Radu Nitu (Romania) 

Action now heads towards team play with the Men's Foil and Women's Epee squads taking to the piste starting Tuesday morning. Men's Epee and Women's Sabre follow on Wednesday, with Women's Foil and Men's Sabre concluding the competition on Thursday.

Sam Catantan advances into second phase of World Championships

Sam Catantan vs Sophia Glasson (c/o FIE)

Just one Filipino made it completely out of the first phase of the individual portion of the FIE World Championships being held at the AsiaWorld Expo in Hong Kong this week.

Samantha Catantan on Friday pulled off the achievement, defeating Sophia Glasson, 15-13, in her second round match in the women's foil division to earn the right to play this Monday at the same venue.

The Penn State standout had won four matches in pool play to earn a first round bye this morning, setting up her matchup against the Australian later in the afternoon.

With the victory, she'll face off against Jessica Guo in the third round.

A couple more fencers barely missed in joining Sam in earning a second day of individual work. Her younger sister Sophia also secured four victories in pool play to also earn a first round bye, but the UAAP Season 88 High School Most Valuable Player suffered a 12-15 defeat to Anabella Acurero Gonzalez of Venezuela to fall short of that achievement.

Back on Wednesday, Nathaniel Perez also was a victory short of making it to a second day, earning that with a 15-12 win over Borys Budovskyi of Canada in the men's foil program before bowing out with a 4-15 defeat to his Belgian opposition Oscar Geudvert.

Five additional fencers were able to advance into the knockout rounds, with Ivy Dinoy, Hanniel Abella, and Juliana Gomez of women's epee, as well as Jian Miguel Bautista of men's epee exiting after the first round, while Noelito Jose, Jr. lost in the second round after earning a first round bye.

The rest of the Philippine contingent (Shawn Felipe, Louis Shoemaker, and Sammuel Tranquilan for men's foil, Alexa Larrazabal in women's epee, Sean Lauron and Lee Ergina for men's epee, Janna Catantan and Nana Carbonell for women's foil, and the entire sabre unit comprised of Arianna Tiu, Queenie Dalmacio, Kaikaku dela Serna, Jylyn Nicanor, CJ and Anthony Concepcion, Eunice Daniel Villanueva, and Khiane Felipe) were unable to advance out of the pool play.

Meanwhile, Ashley-Mae Harrison also fell short of making the second day of action. The former Philippine national team fencer now representing Australia made it past pool play last Wednesday, but lost in the first round to Liv Olsson of Sweden, 15-8.

The conclusion of the individual portion of the World Championships will take place starting Saturday, with the Opening Ceremonies slated in the afternoon.

After Catantan's involvement on Monday, the Philippines will be back in action on Tuesday with the start of the teams component of the week-long competition.

JRU claims historic Filoil Preseason crown

Lawrence Mangubat c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

Jose Rizal University may have just delivered the loudest statement even before the start of the NCAA season.

And if the Heavy Bombers would have it their way, this may very well be a preview of their dream coronation.

With heroes aplenty, JRU came through with a 74-67 Game Two victory to sweep San Beda and capture the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason crown on Thursday.

Lawrence Mangubat was the main stabilizer for the Kalentong crew, dropping 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists including the game-sealing freebies with 10.5 seconds left in front of a raucous crowd inside Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

"Ayaw ko lang matalo," admitted the shifty guard who was named as the ABC Heavy Duty Tournament MVP.

But it was Mythical Team member Chris Hubilla who typified the mighty defense that enabled the Heavy Bombers this run to the top, with his block on Daniel Marcelo in the final minute all but snuffing the hopes out of the Red Lions to cap off his solid 8-point, 8-rebound, and 5-assist night.

Aside from the two though, coach Nani Epondulan flaunted the depth of this roster with numerous players stepping up in this clincher.

Stephen Garupil buried two crucial treys in the fourth that kept San Beda at bay for his nine points, Jahmir Eligado made the most of his suprise start and went a rebound shy of a double-double with his 10 points and nine boards, and Don Benito's Defensive Player Allan Laurenaria was in his element to rack up nine points, four boards, and two steals.

"From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila," said Epondulan.

Mangubat and Hubilla were joined by San Beda's Aldous Torculas, Letran's Titing Manalili, and University of the Philippines' Veejay Pre in the Mythical Team.

It's a sweet victory for JRU which only lost once this preseason and owned the number of San Beda, winning all of their three meetings in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

The Heavy Bombers were also finally able to lift the trophy after settling for runner-up honors way back in the inaugural tourney in 2006.

Zed Etulle paced the Red Lions in the losing cause with 14 points and four boards, as Torculas only had 13 in a tough 3-of-11 shooting from the field.

The Scores:
JRU 74 -- Mangubat 27, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 9, Garupil 9, Hubilla 8, Salvador 5, Masiglat 3, Palis 2, Panapanaan 1, Garcia 0, Herrera 0.
SAN BEDA 67 -- Etulle 14, Torculas 13, Marcelo 11, Puno 8, Songcuya 7, Bonzalida 6, Hawkins 5, Sarigumba 3, Estacio 0, RC. Calimag 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0.
Quarters: 14-13, 29-28, 52-40, 74-67.

adidas launches Peach Package promo

In line with Anthony Edwards coming to the Philippines later this year, adidas revealed a new Peach Package promo that gives fans the chance to win big for every eligible purchase.

Launched last July 3 and lasting until the end of the month, shoppers who purchase either an Anthony Edwards 2 or Believe That 1 pair from participating adidas branches and the following partner retailers: Foot Locker, Toby’s Sports, Planet Sports, Sports Central, Robinsons Department Stores, SM Department Stores, and ABC Mart, will earn raffle entries for a shot at one of nine Peach Packages.

Each Peach Package contains a curated collection ideal for fans who are looking forward to his visit next month: a PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition, Airpods 4, Large Travel Luggage, adidas Sports Sunglasses, Believe That. 1 Shoes, Believe That Tee, and one (1) VIP Ticket to the Anthony Edwards Fan Festival.

Those who purchase the AE2 will have two raffle entries, while a Believe That 1 pair nets a raffle entry.

Only Philippine residents aged 18+ are eligible for the promo, which you can check on adidas Philippines’ socials for more details and T&C’s.

San Beda, JRU secure Filoil Preseason finals berths

c/o Filoil

 

Game on Tuesday
4 p.m. - Hanes 3-Point Shootout
(Game 1 of Best-of-3 Finals)
5 p.m. - JRU vs. San Beda

WHEN the dust settled, San Beda and Jose Rizal University turned out to be the last two teams standing in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

The Red Lions and the Heavy Bombers stunned their fancied foes on Sunday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan to arrange the first ever all-NCAA championship duel in the famed preseason league.

San Beda played inspired basketball and dethroned the defending three-time preseason champion University of the Philippines, 93-72, while JRU was in full control against Letran to earn the 82-73 victory.

Game One of the best-of-three finals series starts this Tuesday at the same venue.

Fighting Maroons-turned-Red Lions RC Calimag and Aldous Torculas were men on a mission in the contest as the Mendiola side shot a blazing 16-of-33 clip from downtown to eliminate State U from the competition and reach the championship for the first time since 2019.

Calimag caught fire early and commandeered San Beda's 12-0 start before finishing with 27 points built from six treys, as Torculas did a little bit of everything with his 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Dom Sarigumba also chimed in 17 points, seven assists, and two boards, Penny Estacio got 11 points and six assists, and Zed Etulle nabbed a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

More than the triumph, however, it was an emotional victory for San Beda which dedicated the game to the late JV Gallego who tragically passed away on Saturday.

"[Gallego] embodied sacrifice and he's such a great inspiration for the team in terms of staying ready," said assistant coach Andre Santos. "The guys played inspired basketball, they played for something greater than themselves and the team, and they played for JV."

Ex-Red Lion James Payosing topped UP in the loss with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Defense, meanwhile, did the trick for the Heavy Bombers with Chris Hubilla and Allan Laurenaria leading the charge in stifling the red-hot Knights.

Hubilla uncorked 22 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, as Laurenaria recorded 11 points and 10 boards.

But it was Lawrence Mangubat who outplayed his counterparts with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Titing Manalili, however, kept Letran fighting as the Knights rallied from 23-points down and hit back-to-back threes to cut the deficit down to six, 79-73, with 44.0 seconds left.

But JRU did just enough in the endgame to pull off the win and enter the preseason finals for the first time since 2006 -- when the tournament was still named the Homegrown Cup and it settled for runner-up honors against La Salle.

"Sinasabi ko naman sa kanila na trabahuin nila ng tama and ito ngayon yung naging resulta," said coach Nani Epondulan.

Manalili shouldered the load for the Knights with 28 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.

The Scores:

First Game:
JRU 82 - Hubilla 22, Mangubat 19, Laurenaria 11, Salvador 11, Garupil 6, Eligado 6, Lozano 3, Panapanaan 2, Herrera 2, Garcia 0, Masiglat 0, Duque 0, Palis 0.
LETRAN 73 - Manalili 28, Estrada 12, Diamante 12, Buensalida 7, Santos 7, Cargo 4, Gammad 2, Siena 1, Sison-Walker 0, Hugo 0, Montecillo 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 47-36, 66-50, 82-73.

Second Game:
SAN BEDA 93 - Calimag 27, Sarigumba 17, Torculas 14, Estacio 11, Etulle 10, Bonzalida 8, Hawkins 2, Puno 2, Songcuya 2, Jamora 0, Jalbuena 0, Ugaddan 0.
UP 72 - Pre 10, Alter 10, Payosing 10, Poyos 9, Stevens 8, Palanca 8, Yniguez 8, Dimaculangan 4, Ogana 3, Bayla 2, Remogat 0, Andres 0.
Quarters: 24-15, 37-35, 68-48, 93-72.