MPBL 2026: Robles, Rizal outlast San Juan in OT thriller to secure first win, 94–89

Rizal leaned on experience, depth, and a clutch overtime surge to defeat the San Juan Knights, 94–89, finally entering the win column at 1–2 while handing San Juan its first loss of the season (2–1).

The contest was tightly fought from start to finish, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings. San Juan’s inside presence, led by Mike Phillips, kept them in control for stretches. Phillips posted a dominant double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds, anchoring the Knights’ interior on both ends.

MPBL Team Standings 2026: San Juan and Meycauyan Leads Early

The 2026 season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is off to a blazing start, with several contenders immediately staking their claim just days into the league’s 8th campaign.

In the North Division, the early race is tightly packed at the top as five teams remain unbeaten. The San Juan Knights lead the charge at 2–0, riding strong momentum highlighted by the much-anticipated debut of Michael Phillips, who made his first MPBL appearance last April 16 against the Cebu Greats. San Juan’s balanced attack has quickly made them the team to beat.

Marikina Bigz Burger stays unbeaten, escapes Zamboanga in tight 68–65 finish

The Marikina Bigz Burger kept its perfect start intact, grinding out a tense 68–65 victory over Zamboanga Sikat in a game that swung wildly before settling into a clutch fourth-quarter finish.

Zamboanga actually seized early control, riding the scoring of Rafael Are and interior activity from Med Salim to take a 21–20 edge after the opening period. Their momentum carried into the second quarter, where they outscored Marikina 17–12 to build a 38–32 halftime cushion. But the third quarter flipped everything.

Ilagan Isabela Cowboys Escape Basilan Steel, 57-56

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys survived a late Basilan surge to pull off a tense 57–56 victory, in a game defined by shifting momentum across all four quarters.

Ilagan came out sharper, taking a 16–13 edge in the first quarter behind early contributions from Arth De La Cruz and Don Gumaru. The Cowboys tightened their grip in the second period, holding Basilan to just 6 points while adding 9 of their own to build a 25–19 halftime lead.

Marilao Gems Stays Perfect After Crushing Manila, 82-67

The Meycauyan Marilao Gems remained unbeaten at 2-0, defeating Manila Batang Quiapo, 82–67, behind a composed, quarter-by-quarter takeover that kept Manila winless at 0-2.

Meycauyan wasted no time asserting control, jumping ahead 19–11 after the first quarter as Manila struggled to find early rhythm. That opening gap proved crucial—Manila spent the rest of the game trying to chase it.

Batangas Fends Off Bulacan, 85-75

The Batangas Tanduay Athletics kept their perfect start intact, pulling away late to secure an 85–75 victory over the Bulacan Kuyas in a game that saw early dominance, a midgame scare, and a composed finish.

Batangas came out firing in the opening quarter, unloading a 35-point explosion that immediately put Bulacan on the back foot. Crisp ball movement and efficient shooting powered the surge, with multiple players contributing early to build a commanding lead.

Anton Eusebio Sizzles in Gensan Warriors 2nd Win

The Gensan Warriors overcame a hot start from the Mindoro Tamaraws and pulled away for an 87–70 victory, remaining unbeaten at 2-0 while dropping Mindoro to 1-1.

Mindoro came out firing in the opening quarter, riding the strong play of JC Recto to take a 23–22 lead after one. The Tamaraws looked sharp early, attacking inside and controlling the boards. But the game turned dramatically in the second quarter