Photo: NBTC

By Miguel Palaban

Redemption finally arrived for Laguna as AG Sports Apparel became the last team standing in the 2026 Smart-NBTC South Luzon Regional Championship following a heart-stopping 81-80 victory over GM Botor x Troops Hoops on Saturday, February 28, at Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas City.

One year after falling short in the finals, the Laguna-based squad returned determined to finish the job and survived a dramatic ending to claim regional supremacy.

The contest hung in the balance until the final moments when last season’s Most Outstanding Player (MOP) Jancarl Gadlan launched a potential winning three-pointer that rattled out, sealing Laguna’s breakthrough triumph.

Zedrick Castillo delivered a defining performance to earn adidas MOP honors, tallying 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals while stepping up for injured starting point guard Mark Clarence Piana.

Prince Shey Palma paced AG Sports Apparel with 16 points and five rebounds, while Ryoma Clyde Sarno imposed his presence with a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.

On the other hand, Wham Keifer Duenas chipped in 10 points in the title-clinching effort.

Despite the loss, Gadlan nearly produced a triple-double with 18 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Mythical Five member Tristan James Catucod added 19 markers, four boards, and four steals to keep GM Botor x Troops Hoops within striking distance throughout.

Both finalists secured spots in the National Finals set from March 22 to 29, where the nation’s best under-19 programs will collide.

Joining Castillo and Catucod in the Mythical Team were Jimboy Cambal of Batang Tiaong, Nikko Rosales of Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas Mustangs, and Zedrick Sabalza of Holy Trinity Binangonan Spartans.

Batang Tiaong and CLB Mustangs also secured National Finals berths through the regional wildcard, completing a strong South Luzon contingent eager to test itself on the national stage.