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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider NU strikes back at reigning champ La Salle, clinches 2026 UAAP MLBB title

NU strikes back at reigning champ La Salle, clinches 2026 UAAP MLBB title

Published Aug 27, 2026 03:56 pm

At A Glance

  • National University drew strength from its past mistakes to dethrone reigning champion De La Salle University, 2-1, in the 2026 UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang championship on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.
(UAAP)
(UAAP)
National University drew strength from its past mistakes to dethrone reigning champion De La Salle University, 2-1, in the 2026 UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang championship on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.
With the match going to a decider, the Bulldogs imposed their will just in time in the third game where they shrugged off a lethargic opening before unleashing a dominant counter over the Green Aces thanks to Johann Estacio’s brilliance.
Apart from closing out the title-clinching Game 3 win in just 13 minutes, NU also struck back at La Salle big time after the latter previously bowed to the very same rival during the group stage.
With his spectacular performance, Estacio earned the grand finals MVP honors.
"Para sa'kin, hindi naman po big deal yung MVP kasi matagal na rin naman po kaming magkakampi so tingin ko as a team talaga yung pagkapanalo namin. Pero thank you pa rin po ako para sa award na ito na di rin inexpect ng parents ko," said Estacio.
For NU head coach Ernest Del Rosario, the triumph was the perfect reward for his wards, who were fueled by their title loss last year.
"For me, yung championship win is something that is very sentimental for the team. Kasi ako, as a coach na kakapasok lang sa team, I saw how hard they worked, lalo nung natalo sila last season," said Del Rosario.
“Then nung last series before ng semi-finals natalo din kami. Now, I think day and night yung naging difference. Naging focused kami. We locked in talaga para makuha yung championship,” he added.
Prior to its championship victory, NU dismantled University of the Philippines, 2-0, in the semifinal, while La Salle carved out a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Adamson.

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