Defending champion Davao Region moved within one victory of a back-to-back championship after overpowering National Capital Region, 76-66, in the secondary boys basketball semifinals of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa on Friday evening at the EOC Evacuation Center of the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. D.O. Plaza Sports Complex in Agusan del Sur.
Backed by a roaring partisan crowd, the Davao Eagles weathered NCR's repeated comeback attempts and delivered timely baskets down the stretch to book a return trip to the gold-medal match.
Ateneo de Davao University's Aaron Bayanban caught fire from beyond the arc and finished with 19 points, knocking down five of his seven three-point attempts to lead the Eagles.
The victory completed Davao's biggest test yet in its title defense and extended its dominant tournament run, showcasing the depth and experience of the reigning champions.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
A partisan crowd filled the venue, rallying behind the Eagles from the opening tip and helping fuel an explosive start. Davao stormed to a 24-10 first-quarter lead behind its relentless defense and Bayanban's outside shooting. The Eagles continued to dictate the tempo in the second quarter and built a commanding 36-16 advantage after a buzzer-beating triple by Bayanban.
Rene Clert Baterbonia added to the assault early in the second period as Davao threatened to pull away completely. But NCR, represented by University of the East, refused to fold. The Metro Stars clawed back behind a determined second-half rally and cut the deficit to as low as five points on several occasions. Each time NCR threatened, however, the Eagles answered with key baskets and defensive stops to keep control of the contest.
Davao carried a 45-31 lead into halftime before NCR trimmed the gap in the third quarter. The Eagles then steadied themselves in the final period and closed out the victory behind their composure and championship experience.
Coach Evangelio Eyes Gold
Head coach Jess Linus Evangelio welcomed the win but quickly shifted his focus to the final. "Job's not finished. And make sure to be more motivated for tomorrow's game," Evangelio told his players after the semifinal triumph. Following the game, Evangelio shared a photo of the team's postgame huddle and posted a simple message reflecting the Eagles' mindset: "Thank you, Lord God, for another day. Ready for tomorrow."
Earlier in the day, Davao punched its semifinal ticket by dispatching the Cordillera Administrative Region, 73-57, in the quarterfinals. Baterbonia powered the Eagles with 21 points, 11 rebounds and one block, while Jhon Mark Sanoria controlled the paint with 12 points and 17 rebounds. Jhon Mark Peligrino contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Rhysus Bajenting added 16 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Dominant Tournament Run
The Eagles have dominated the tournament from the start. They crushed Zamboanga Peninsula, 91-48, in the elimination round before defeating Caraga, 69-59, Eastern Visayas, 70-63, and Ilocos Region, 96-34. Davao was also composed of Matt Jerrick Cayetano, Al Ivx Damag, Aeron Lloyd Luague, Elijah Wayne Quintao, John Leisley Repompo, Gerald Siason and Marcus Niño Sisican. The defending champions also strengthened their roster with Paul Stephen Estandarte of Lamb of God SPED Academy and Gian Carlo Bulasa of Elias B. Lopez Memorial National High School. Bryan Ric Constantino serves as Evangelio's assistant coach.
Awaiting Davao in Saturday's championship game is a confident Calabarzon side that defeated Central Luzon, 83-76, in the other semifinal. Dairick Duterte scored 20 points while Richmond San Diego added 19 as Calabarzon continued its impressive run to the final. For Davao, however, the mission remains unchanged. The Eagles stand one win away from retaining the crown and cementing their place among the most dominant teams in recent Palarong Pambansa history.
