Brian Heruela Transfers To Mindoro Tamaraws

The Mindoro Tamaraws have made a significant backcourt upgrade as they officially acquired veteran point guard Brian Heruela from the Cebu Greats in a move aimed at strengthening their playoff bid in the 2026 MPBL season.

Heruela played nine games with Cebu this season, serving as a steady two-way floor general before the mid-season transfer. In that span, he averaged 7.3 points, 6.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while also providing leadership, defensive activity, and composure in late-game situations.

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

Biñan Tatak Gel Tames Quezon City Black Bulls

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.

Michael Phillips Lifts San Juan Knights In MPBL Debut

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.

MPBL 2026 Pre-season Team Standings as of February 22, 2026

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.

Caloocan Batang Kankaloo Roster for MPBL 2026 Pre-season Invitational

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.

MPBL 2026 Pre-Season Tips Off On February 7, 2026

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 Aims To Elevate Game To The Pros

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.

MPBL 2026 Pre-season Invitational Draws 16 Teams

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.

Mindoro Tamaraws Bolster Lineup With Homegrown Standouts

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.

MPBL Clarifies Policy on Team Participation and Leaves of Absence

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.

MPBL Prospect: Kymani Ladi Of The Ateneo Blue Eagles

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.

Harold Alarcon Joins San Juan Knights After UAAP Journey

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.

Shawn Argente Closes Chapter With JRU Heavy Bombers

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.