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.
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.
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
The Biñan Tatak Gel returned to the win column with a composed and balanced performance, defeating the Quezon City Black Bulls, who absorbed their second straight loss in the MPBL season.
Biñan showed resilience after a home defeat to the Gensan Warriors, improving to 1-1 behind a strong second-half surge that ultimately put the game out of reach.
The San Juan Knights continued their strong start to the season, notching a second straight victory at the expense of the Cebu Greats, who slipped to a 1-1 record.
San Juan leaned on a balanced offensive attack, led by Gerry Abadiano’s game-high 15 points. The Knights saw multiple contributors step up, with Michael Calisaan adding 12 markers and Mike Phillips chipping in nine points along with a dominant presence on the glass. Orlan Wamar and AC Soberano each contributed eight points, highlighting the team’s depth in securing back-to-back wins.
Four teams remain flawless as the 2026 MPBL Pre-Season Invitational gathers momentum, with early contenders beginning to separate from the field.
In Group A, Abra and Batangas City lead the way at 4-0, asserting dominance through balanced play and steady execution.
The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo enters the 2026 MPBL Pre-Season Invitational with a clear objective: finish what it could not last December 2025.
The Batang Kankaloo were swept by the Abra Weavers in the North Division Semifinals in 2025, a loss that exposed depth issues and late-game execution lapses. Management responded aggressively in the offseason.
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is officially back, and the road to the 2026 season begins with an exciting pre-season opening on February 7, 2026, at the Caloocan Sports Complex. Fans can expect a full day of high-energy matchups as teams showcase new faces, fresh systems, and early championship intentions.
Basketball fans are in for a treat with three games lined up from afternoon to evening:
Cyril Gonzales has never been the loudest name on the stat sheet, but throughout his collegiate career, the 6-foot point guard has built a reputation as a relentless defender and dependable floor general. Born on June 27, 2000, and hailing from Samal, Davao del Norte, the 25-year-old guard has carved out a basketball journey defined by resilience, timely decisions, and a commitment to winning.
Gonzales first made his mark with the Mapúa Cardinals during NCAA Season 95. Even as a young guard, he displayed maturity beyond his years, averaging 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His ability to pressure opposing ballhandlers and contribute on both ends quickly established him as one of Mapúa’s promising backcourt pieces.
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) officially unveiled the lineup and competition format for the MPBL 2026 Pre-Season Invitational, setting the stage for an exciting buildup to the league’s next season. The tournament will run from February 7 to March 21, with games scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, promising weeks of nonstop basketball action for fans across the country.
The pre-season tournament features two loaded groups composed of established MPBL contenders, emerging provincial squads, and developmental teams.
Staying true to their identity as a team built by and for Mindoreños, the Mindoro Tamaraws of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) have bolstered their roster with three homegrown talents who bring size, versatility, and a winning pedigree: Christan Jake Agoncillo, Jon Ivan Cudiamat, and John Christopher “JC” Recto.
These recruits don’t just fill spots—they represent Mindoro’s growing footprint in Philippine basketball.
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has formally clarified its position regarding team participation and the status of Leaves of Absence (LOA), emphasizing that such allowances are no longer permitted under current league rules.
According to the statement released by the league, the MPBL previously allowed franchises to take a Leave of Absence during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This temporary measure was intended to help franchise owners recover from the severe financial and operational challenges brought about by the global crisis.
Kymani Ladi didn’t need much time to announce his arrival in Philippine collegiate basketball.
In just one season with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the 6-foot-8 Filipino-American forward-center delivered production, poise, and promise—quickly putting his name on the national radar.
This UAAP season 88 roster of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets brings together size, versatility, and a strong mix of youth and skill, forming a well-balanced squad built to compete on both ends of the floor.
With a blend of towering interior players, athletic wings, and quick guards, the team is positioned to match up effectively against a variety of opponents.
Harold Alarcon is ready for the next chapter of his basketball career.
After exhausting his college eligibility with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, the two-time UAAP champion guard is taking his talents to the San Juan Knights of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), a proud franchise that last ruled the league during the 2018–2019 season.
For many young athletes, the pandemic didn’t just pause seasons—it altered careers. For Shawn Argente, it nearly ended one.
A 5’9” guard from Cainta, Rizal, Argente was among the players whose basketball journey was disrupted when opportunities dried up and doors slowly closed. Tryouts came and went. Schools looked elsewhere. At one point, the reality was harsh enough that he had already accepted he might never suit up in the NCAA again.
Former Mapua Cardinals big man Drex Delos Reyes is at a crossroads early in his basketball career, as the 6-foot-8 forward-center has officially parted ways with Mapua University and is now considering two very different paths: continuing his collegiate journey or turning professional with the reigning Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champions, the Abra Weavers.
Delos Reyes, a product of the National University Bullpups program in high school, suited up for just one season with the Cardinals in his rookie year.
The San Juan Knights have made a bold statement ahead of the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season, announcing the signing of former UP Fighting Maroons standouts Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea—a quartet with deep chemistry and a winning pedigree.
Fresh from wrapping up their collegiate careers, the four were part of the UP Fighting Maroons squad that finished first runner-up in UAAP Season 88, falling short against the DLSU Green Archers in what was their final playing year in the league. While the crown eluded them, their collective journey has been marked by championships, resilience, and years of shared battles.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5, Cedrick Manzano has completed a standout collegiate basketball journey defined by steady growth, elite competition, and national success.
Born on March 5, 2003, the 22-year-old center from Cajidiocan, Romblon officially graduated from Adamson University after concluding his UAAP eligibility in Season 88 (2025), positioning himself as one of the most sought-after blue-chip prospects for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
Cyrus Tabi put together a solid and workmanlike stretch in the 2025 MPBL season, carving out a dependable role through consistent minutes, efficient scoring, and strong contributions across the stat sheet.
Across 31 games played (excluding the no-appearance entry), Tabi averaged 24.7 minutes per game, reflecting steady trust from the coaching staff. He posted 10.2 points per contest, providing reliable secondary scoring while rarely forcing shots.