UST Tiger Cubs rule NBTC Wildcard, advance to National Finals

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs dominated the NBTC Wildcard Tournament, defeating D’ Generals x Dynamix Creative, 96-87, on Friday at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.

Joaqui Ludovice led the charge with 22 points, built on six three-pointers, while fellow NBTC Mythical Team member Jhon Lee Melano added 20 points and three rebounds.

For D’ Generals x Dynamix Creative, Ruzzel del Poso caught fire from beyond the arc, draining five triples to finish with 21 points. Jhillian Palis contributed 18 points and eight assists in the losing effort.

Joining Ludovice and Melano in the Mythical Team was Andrei Ugaddan, who powered San Beda to a dominant 90-56 victory over Canada with 17 points and four rebounds.

Elsewhere, Pasig City’s For the Win secured a spot in the National Finals after a 75-58 upset of Perpetual Altas. St. Clare also clinched a berth with an 81-75 win over ACTV x M7 (Marikina).

A total of 48 teams will compete in the NBTC National Finals, which begin Sunday, including De La Salle Zobel, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Arellano University, Mapua University, University of the East, among others.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News