De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, National University, and University of Santo Tomas completed the quarterfinal cast of the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour after posting dominant Round of 16 victories Sunday, May 10, at the UP Varsity Training Center in Quezon City.
The country’s premier collegiate basketball programs displayed their championship ambitions with commanding performances, setting up a high-stakes quarterfinal round filled with powerhouse matchups.
![Jacob Cortez and La Salle secures NSAC 2026 quarterfinal berth with win over Benilde [NSAC photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CORTEZ-JACOB-2-scaled.jpg)
La Salle, UP advance
La Salle stretched its winning streak to three games after defeating De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 76-66, in a heated battle between sister schools.
The Green Archers broke a tense fourth-quarter deadlock behind clutch baskets from JC Macalalag and a timely triple from Mason Amos. Luis Pablo anchored the win with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists, while Macalalag added 13 points as La Salle secured a quarterfinal clash with Far Eastern University.
UP, meanwhile, preserved its unbeaten campaign by dismantling Adamson University, 87-60, with relentless defense and transition scoring.
Veejay Pre delivered a stellar 27-point outing on highly efficient shooting, while Sean Alter contributed 15 points and eight rebounds. The Fighting Maroons overwhelmed Adamson with depth and defensive pressure to arrange a marquee quarterfinal showdown against National University.
NU, UST dominate
National University advanced after defeating Arellano University, 87-76, successfully shutting down every late comeback attempt from the Chiefs.
PJ Palacielo led the Bulldogs with 18 points and six rebounds, while Justine Garcia contributed 11 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. NU’s composure and balanced offense proved decisive as the Bulldogs maintained their title push.
UST also remained unbeaten by routing St. Clare College of Caloocan, 87-55, in another dominant display.
UAAP Rookie of the Year Collins Akowe made an immediate impact in his tournament debut with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Mark Llemit added 17 points. The Growling Tigers’ overwhelming performance secured a quarterfinal showdown with Ateneo de Manila University.
With the quarterfinals scheduled for May 23 at the Villavicencio Court inside the Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex, the NSAC 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour now enters a crucial phase where collegiate supremacy will be fiercely contested.