The 2021 MPBL Invitational, officially known as the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM for sponsorship reasons, was the preseason tournament for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League's (MPBL) 2022 season.[1][2] The tournament began on December 11, 2021 and ended with the final on December 23, 2021.[3] The inaugural edition of the MPBL Invitational is also its biggest, featuring 22 teams.
| Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Tournament details | |
| Country |  Philippines |
| City | Pasay |
| Venue(s) | SM Mall of Asia Arena |
| Dates | December 11–23, 2021 |
| Teams | 22 |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | Basilan Jumbo Plastic |
| Runner-up | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards |
| Third place | Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors |
| Fourth place | Imus Buracai de Laiya |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 57 |
The games were played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay at 50% capacity for spectators, making it the first professional sports event in the Philippines to allow live audiences since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.[4][5][6]
Basilan Jumbo Plastic became the 2021 Invitational champions, beating the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in overtime, 83-80. Philip Manalang, who hit the championship-winning buzzer beater for Basilan, was adjudged as the tournament Finals MVP.[7]
Background edit
After culminating its 2019–20 season in March 2021, the league looked to start the next season on June 12, 2021. However, the continuing restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines caused the league to postpone it to the third quarter of 2021.[8] After postponing again to 2022, Duremdes announced the Invitational tournament to help "reignite" the league.[9]
Although it wasn't the league's first preseason tournament, it was the league's first event as a professional league, being granted professional status by the Games and Amusements Board earlier in the year.[10]
Entertainment edit
For the first time since the level of restriction for live musical events were relaxed, Filipino pop and R&B band South Border performed their reunion concert at the pregame ceremony of the Invitational finals, while rock band MOJOFLY performed during the halftime show.[11]
Teams edit
Of the 31 teams that participated in the previous season, 21 took part in the Invitational. In addition, the Invitational also featured the first appearance of the Negros Muscovados, bringing the total to 22 teams.
| Team | 2019–20 season statistics | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | Playoff result | |
| All-Star Bacolod Ballers | 11–19 (.367) | – |
| Bacoor City Strikers | 24–6 (.800) | Division Semifinals |
| Basilan Jumbo Plastic | 20–10 (.667) | Division Finals |
| Bicol Volcanoes | 16–14 (.533) | Division Quarterfinals |
| Bulacan Kuyas | 19–11 (.633) | Division Quarterfinals |
| Caloocan Excellence | 16–14 (.533) | – |
| GenSan Warriors | 18–12 (.600) | Division Quarterfinals |
| Iloilo United Royals | 18–12 (.600) | Division Quarterfinals |
| Imus Buracai de Laiya | 6–24 (.200) | – |
| Laguna Heroes | 12–18 (.400) | – |
| Makati FSD Blazers | 22–8 (.733) | Division Finals |
| Manila Stars | 25–5 (.833) | Division Semifinals |
| Marikina Shoe City | 8–22 (.267) | – |
| Mindoro EOG Burlington | 9–21 (.300) | – |
| Muntinlupa Cagers | 7–23 (.233) | – |
| Negros Muscovados | — | |
| Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | 10–20 (.333) | – |
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 18–12 (.600) | Division Quarterfinals |
| Rizal Emkai Xentromall | 6–23 (.207) | – |
| San Juan Knights | 26–4 (.867) | National Finals |
| Sarangani Marlins | 1–29 (.033) | – |
| Valenzuela MJAS Zenith | 11–19 (.367) | – |
Name changes edit
- The Bacolod Master Sardines changed its name to All-Star Bacolod Ballers
- The Biñan City Luxxe White changed its name to Laguna Heroes Krah Asia
- The Caloocan Supremos changed its team name to Caloocan Excellence
- The Imus Bandera - Luxxe Slim changed its name to Imus Buracai de Laiya
- The Makati Super Crunch changed its name to Makati FSD Blazers
- The Marikina Shoemasters changed its name to Marikina Shoe City
- The Mindoro Tamaraws changed its name to Mindoro EOG Burlington
- The Rizal Golden Coolers changed its name to Emkai-Rizal Xentromall
- The Valenzuela Classic changed its name to Valenzuela MJAS Zenith
Draw edit
The draw for the group stage took place on November 26, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Pasig, hosted by Mark Zambrano and Christian Luanzon.[12] The 22 teams were drawn into four groups, two groups of six teams (Groups A and D) and two groups of five teams (Groups B and C).
Two teams were immediately allocated, the Basilan Jumbo Plastic was placed in Group B by virtue of winning the 2021 Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup 1st Conference. The San Juan Knights were placed in Group C as last season's finalists. The remaining 20 teams were drawn at random into the four groups.
Format edit
The tournament is divided into two stages: the group stage and the playoffs. Each of the four groups play in a single round-robin format, wherein each team plays one game against all other teams within the same group. The top two teams in each group advance to a three-round, single-elimination playoffs consisting of all knockout games. For this tournament only, all roster regulations were lifted.
The top three teams were given prize money based on their standings: ₱2 million for the champion, ₱500,000 for the runner-up, and ₱250,000 for the third-place team.[13]
Group stage edit
Group A edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | PF | PA | PD | Qualification | PSG | ILO | BCD | BCR | CAL | NEG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 5 | 5 | 0 | 424 | 330 | +94 | Playoffs | — | 90–69 | 86–61 | 76–67 | 87–60 | 85–73 | |
| 2 | Iloilo United Royals | 5 | 4 | 1 | 388 | 364 | +24 | 69–90 | — | 85–62 | 71–66 | 80–69 | 83–77 | ||
| 3 | All-Star Bacolod Ballers | 5 | 3 | 2 | 349 | 374 | −25 | 61–86 | 62–85 | — | 73–71 | 85–65 | 68–67 | ||
| 4 | Bacoor City Strikers | 5 | 2 | 3 | 363 | 356 | +7 | 67–76 | 66–71 | 71–73 | — | 72–50 | 87–86 | ||
| 5 | Caloocan Excellence | 5 | 1 | 4 | 324 | 403 | −79 | 60–87 | 69–80 | 65–85 | 50–72 | — | 80–79 | ||
| 6 | Negros Muscovados | 5 | 0 | 5 | 382 | 403 | −21 | 73–85 | 77–83 | 67–68 | 86–87 | 79–80 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head record; 3) Head-to-head point differential; 4) Head-to-head points scored; 5) Overall point differential; 6) Overall points scored.
Group B edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | PF | PA | PD | Qualification | BAS | BCL | MKT | MAR | LAG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basilan Jumbo Plastic | 4 | 4 | 0 | 346 | 322 | +24 | Playoffs | — | 70–65 | 80–79 | 98–83 | 98–95 | |
| 2 | Bicol Volcanoes | 4 | 3 | 1 | 317 | 274 | +43 | 65–70 | — | 86–71 | 86–65 | 80–68 | ||
| 3 | Makati FSD Blazers | 4 | 2 | 2 | 337 | 341 | −4 | 79–80 | 71–86 | — | 95–89 | 92–86 | ||
| 4 | Marikina Shoe City | 4 | 1 | 3 | 316 | 352 | −36 | 83–98 | 65–86 | 89–95 | — | 79–73 | ||
| 5 | Laguna Heroes | 4 | 0 | 4 | 322 | 349 | −27 | 95–98 | 68–80 | 86–92 | 73–79 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head record; 3) Head-to-head point differential; 4) Head-to-head points scored; 5) Overall point differential; 6) Overall points scored.
Group C edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | PF | PA | PD | Qualification | NE | SJ | VAL | SAR | MUN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | 4 | 4 | 0 | 371 | 326 | +45 | Playoffs | — | 88–85 | 100–77 | 99–92 | 84–72 | |
| 2 | San Juan Knights | 4 | 3 | 1 | 344 | 291 | +53 | 85–88 | — | 97–64 | 91–72 | 71–67 | ||
| 3 | Valenzuela MJAS Zenith | 4 | 2 | 2 | 294 | 342 | −48 | 77–100 | 64–97 | — | 77–73 | 76–72 | ||
| 4 | Sarangani Marlins | 4 | 1 | 3 | 312 | 333 | −21 | 92–99 | 72–91 | 73–77 | — | 75–66 | ||
| 5 | Muntinlupa Cagers | 4 | 0 | 4 | 277 | 306 | −29 | 72–84 | 67–71 | 72–76 | 66–75 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head record; 3) Head-to-head point differential; 4) Head-to-head points scored; 5) Overall point differential; 6) Overall points scored.
Group D edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | PF | PA | PD | Qualification | IMS | MDR | MNL | BUL | RZL | GS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Imus Buracai de Laiya | 5 | 4[a] | 1 | 393 | 363 | +30 | Playoffs | — | 77–70 | 77–83 | 75–65 | 90–79 | 74–66 | |
| 2 | Mindoro EOG Burlington | 5 | 4[a] | 1 | 402 | 382 | +20 | 70–77 | — | 80–77 | 79–72 | 86–83 | 87–73 | ||
| 3 | Manila Stars | 5 | 3 | 2 | 413 | 379 | +34 | 83–77 | 77–80 | — | 89–98 | 89–59 | 75–65 | ||
| 4 | Bulacan Kuyas | 5 | 2 | 3 | 404 | 412 | −8 | 65–75 | 72–79 | 98–89 | — | 87–79 | 82–90 | ||
| 5 | Rizal Emkai Xentromall | 5 | 1[b] | 4 | 373 | 418 | −45 | 79–90 | 83–86 | 59–89 | 79–87 | — | 73–66 | ||
| 6 | GenSan Warriors | 5 | 1[b] | 4 | 360 | 391 | −31 | 66–74 | 73–87 | 65–75 | 90–82 | 66–73 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head record; 3) Head-to-head point differential; 4) Head-to-head points scored; 5) Overall point differential; 6) Overall points scored.
Notes:
Playoffs edit
Bracket edit
| Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||||||
| A1 | Pasig | 70 | ||||||||||||
| C2 | San Juan | 66 | ||||||||||||
| A1 | Pasig | 72 | ||||||||||||
| B1 | Basilan | 77 | ||||||||||||
| B1 | Basilan | 77 | ||||||||||||
| D2 | Mindoro | 72 | ||||||||||||
| B1 | Basilan | 83* | ||||||||||||
| C1 | Nueva Ecija | 80 | ||||||||||||
| C1 | Nueva Ecija | 80 | ||||||||||||
| A2 | Iloilo | 67 | ||||||||||||
| C1 | Nueva Ecija | 82 | Battle for Third | |||||||||||
| D1 | Imus | 76 | ||||||||||||
| D1 | Imus | 74 | A1 | Pasig | 100 | |||||||||
| B2 | Bicol | 57 | D1 | Imus | 80 | |||||||||
(*) denotes number of overtime periods
Quarterfinals edit
December 21
2:30 pm |
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 70–66 | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 17–20, 23–19, 14–15, 16–12 | ||
| Pts: Jerald Bautista 12 Rebs: Justin Arana 11 Asts: Rudy Lingganay, Jeric Teng 3 |
Pts: John Michael Calma 13 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 13 Asts: Orlan Wamar Jr. 4 | |
December 21
5:00 pm |
| Basilan Jumbo Plastic | 77–72 | Mindoro EOG Burlington |
| Scoring by quarter: 17–16, 19–15, 26–17, 15–24 | ||
| Pts: Jeric Encho Serrano 22 Rebs: JR Taganas 12 Asts: Philip Manalang 7 |
Pts: Nathaniel Cosejo 22 Rebs: Nathaniel Cosejo 11 Asts: Ryusei Koga 7 | |
December 21
7:30 pm |
| Imus Buracai de Laiya | 74–57 | Bicol Volcanoes |
| Scoring by quarter: 21–19, 17–18, 18–14, 18–6 | ||
| Pts: Leo Najorda 23 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 15 Asts: Christian Ian Melencio 6 |
Pts: Zachary Huang 12 Rebs: Zachary Huang, Mark Yee 7 Asts: Mac Tallo, Jayvee Marcelino 3 | |
December 21
10:00 pm |
| Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | 84–67 | Iloilo United Royals |
| Scoring by quarter: 20–16, 23–16, 27–24, 14–11 | ||
| Pts: Michael Mabulac 17 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 11 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 9 |
Pts: Levi Hernandez 26 Rebs: Jayson David 7 Asts: Aaron Jeruta 6 | |
Semifinals edit
December 22
7:30 pm |
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 72–77 | Basilan Jumbo Plastic |
| Scoring by quarter: 16–24, 19–25, 18–16, 19–12 | ||
| Pts: Fran Yu 22 Rebs: Cedric Ablaza 9 Asts: Fran Yu 4 |
Pts: Michael Juico 23 Rebs: JR Taganas 10 Asts: Philip Manalang 8 | |
December 22
10:00 pm |
| Imus Buracai de Laiya | 76–82 | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards |
| Scoring by quarter: 16–18, 19–19, 18–16, 23–29 | ||
| Pts: Leo Najorda 24 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 9 Asts: Christian Ian Melencio 3 |
Pts: Michael Mabulac 17 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 15 Asts: Justin Gutang, Michael Mabulac 5 | |
Battle for Third edit
December 23
1:00 pm |
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 100–80 | Imus Buracai de Laiya |
| Scoring by quarter: 23–19, 30–22, 24–15, 23–24 | ||
| Pts: Jeckster Apinan 16 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 9 Asts: Jeric Teng 5 |
Pts: Genmar Bragais 23 Rebs: Genmar Bragais, Christian Ian Melencio 6 Asts: Jhaymo Eguilos, Christian Ian Melencio 4 | |
Finals edit
December 23
8:30 pm |
| Basilan Jumbo Plastic | 83–80 (OT) | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards |
| Scoring by quarter: 17–20, 18–16, 18–16, 21–22, Overtime: 9–6 | ||
| Pts: Four players 15 Rebs: JR Taganas 17 Asts: Jay Collado 7 |
Pts: Michael Mabulac 24 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 11 Asts: Diego Dario 5 | |
In the final possession of the game, Philip Manalang would attempt a three-point shot which, if successful, Basilan would win the Invitational tournament, otherwise the game would go into double overtime. The shot ended up being successful, giving Basilan the lead as they won the 2021 MPBL Invitational. For his championship-winning buzzer beater, Manalang was declared the Finals MVP of the tournament.[citation needed]
As of 2023, this would be the last time the Basilan franchise would play in MPBL competition.[citation needed]
Statistics edit
Individual statistical leaders edit
| Category | Player | Team | Statistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points per game | James Martinez | Bulacan Kuyas | 20.5 |
| Rebounds per game | Renato Ular | Marikina Shoe City | 16.0 |
| Assists per game | Andrey Armenion | Valenzuela MJAS Zenith | 6.5 |
| Steals per game | Marte Gil | Caloocan Excellence | 3.6 |
| Blocks per game | Ramon Mabayo | Caloocan Excellence | 2.0 |
| Fouls per game | Vincent Importante | Manila Stars | 4.0 |
| Minutes per game | Ramon Mabayo | Caloocan Excellence | 33.6 |
| FG% | John Ambulodto | Manila Stars | 77.8% |
| FT% | Ronjay Buenafe | GenSan Warriors | 91.7% |
| 3FG% | Ronjay Buenafe | GenSan Warriors | 52.4% |
Team statistical leaders edit
| Category | Team | Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | 88.1 |
| Rebounds per game | Basilan Jumbo Plastic | 54.0 |
| Assists per game | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | 22.9 |
| Steals per game | Negros Muscovados | 11.4 |
| Blocks per game | All-Star Bacolod Ballers | 4.8 |
| Turnovers per game | All-Star Bacolod Ballers | 20.2 |
| Fouls per game | Negros Muscovados | 23.8 |
Awards edit
The individual league awards was given during the Semifinals of the 2021 MPBL Invitational at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.[14] The Finals Most Valuable Player was given out after the final game.
| Awards | Winner (s) | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Most Valuable Player | Michael Mabulac | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards |
| Finals Most Valuable Player | Philip Manalang | Basilan Jumbo Plastic |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Renato Ular | Marikina Shoe City |
| All-MPBL First Team | Michael Mabulac | Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards |
| Mac Tallo | Bicol Volcanoes | |
| Adi Santos | Imus Buracai de Laiya | |
| Fran Yu | Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | |
| Michael Juico | Basilan Jumbo Plastic |
Media coverage edit
IBC acquired the broadcast rights for the Invitational. On the other hand, TAP DMV served as the league's streaming partner, airing games on its streaming service, TAP Go.[15] The league continued to broadcast all of the games on its Facebook page.[16]
References edit
- ^ Ulanday, John Bryan (November 17, 2021). "MPBL sees return to home-and-away play next year". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "MPBL reboots with packed Invitational". Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 17, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (November 16, 2021). "MOA Arena set to host MPBL pocket tournament". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
- ^ "MPBL will welcome back fans in MOA pocket tournament, says Duremdes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ^ Giongco, Mark (November 16, 2021). "MPBL to hold 22-team tournament at MOA Arena to kick off return". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "MPBL will welcome back fans in MOA pocket tournament, says Duremdes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ Leongson, Randolph (December 22, 2021). "Manalang trey at the buzzer lifts Basilan past N Ecija in MPBL Finals". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ Times, Tiebreaker (May 28, 2021). "MPBL mulls closed-circuit setup for late August opening". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (November 17, 2021). "MPBL reboots with packed Invitational". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "MPBL officially turns professional". Manila Bulletin. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ^ "Luke Mejares, Duncan Ramos, Jay Durias reunite as South Border for MPBL finals". ABS-CBN News. December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
- ^ Saldajeno, Ivan (November 27, 2021). "PHP2-M awaits MPBL Invitational champ". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ^ "MPBL Invitational champion to get P2-million prize". Rappler. November 26, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
- ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (December 22, 2021). "Michael Mabulac is named MPBL Invitational MVP". Sports Interactive Network. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ "TAP GO". Facebook. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (December 2, 2021). "Where to watch the MPBL Invitational games". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 10, 2021.