2018–19 MPBL season

2nd season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

Sports season

2018–19 MPBL season

League| Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
Sport| Basketball
Duration| Regular season:
June 12, 2018 – March 11, 2019
Playoffs:
March 12 – April 8, 2019
Finals:
April 11–25, 2019
Number of games| 364 (regular season)
Number of teams| 26
TV partner(s)| S+A
Fox Sports[1]
Regular season
Top seed| Bataan Risers
Season MVP| Gab Banal (Bacoor City)
Playoffs
North Division champions| San Juan Knights
North Division runners-up| Manila Stars
South Division champions| Davao Occidental Tigers
South Division runners-up| Batangas City Athletics
Finals
Champions| San Juan Knights
Runners-up| Davao Occidental Tigers
Finals MVP| Mike Ayonayon (San Juan)
MPBL seasons

← 2018

2019–20 →

The 2018–19 MPBL season, also known as the MPBL Datu Cup, was the second season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. The regular season began on June 12, 2018 with the opening ceremonies Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, and ended on March 11, 2019. The league also held its first ever All-Star Game at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on March 2, 2019. The playoffs then began on March 12, 2019 and ended on April 25, 2019 when the San Juan Knights defeated the Davao Occidental Tigers in five games in the 2019 MPBL finals.

This season saw sixteen expansion teams, nearly tripling its size from 10 to 26 teams. It also marked the league's national expansion, with five of those teams coming from Visayas and Mindanao. This resulted in the league dividing into the North and South Divisions, although this only affected playoff seeding and not the overall format of the season, with the playoffs itself expanding to sixteen teams, eight per division.

## Teams

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### Expansion

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After a successful inaugural season, sixteen teams joined the league, its biggest expansion to date, bringing the a total of 26 teams. Metro Manila is the region with the most expansion teams at seven, those being the Makati Skyscrapers, Mandaluyong El Tigre, Manila Stars, Marikina Shoemasters, Pasay Voyagers, Pasig Pirates, and San Juan Knights. The Pampanga Lanterns joined from Central Luzon while the Bacoor City Strikers, Laguna Heroes, and Rizal Golden Coolers, joined from Calabarzon.

As part of the league's national expansion, the five remaining expansion teams came from either Visayas or Mindanao. The Cebu City Sharks from Central Visayas are the only expansion team from Visayas. The four teams from Mindanao are the Zamboanga Valientes representing the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Davao Occidental Tigers from the Davao Region, the GenSan Warriors from Soccsksargen, and the Basilan Steel from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (which later became Bangsamoro).

Mid-season, the MPBL side of the Zamboanga Valientes was relaunched and became the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines following undisclosed management issues.

### Introduction of divisions

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Due to the much bigger size of the league, divisions were introduced to divide the teams into the North and South Divisions. Teams still play a single round-robin tournament as part of the regular season, but the playoff format was changed to accommodate the new divisions. The top eight teams from each division would advance to an expanded playoff tournament. Similar to the National Basketball Association (NBA), the champions from each division would face once another in what is dubbed the "national finals".

### Arenas

[edit]

| Expansion team

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| New arena
Team | Arena | Capacity

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North Division
Bataan Risers | Bataan People's Center | 4,000
Bulacan Kuyas | Baliwag Star Arena | 5,000
Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium | 5,000
Caloocan Supremos | Caloocan Sports Complex | 3,000
Makati Super Crunch | Ynares Sports Arena | 3,000
Mandaluyong El Tigre | Jose Rizal University Gymnasium | 1,000
Ynares Sports Arena | 3,000
Manila Stars | San Andres Sports Complex | 3,000
Navotas Clutch | Navotas Sports Complex | 1,000
Pampanga Lanterns | AUF Sports and Cultural Center | 3,000
Pasay Voyagers | Cuneta Astrodome | 12,000
Pasig Pirates | Pasig Sports Center | 2,500
Quezon City Capitals | Blue Eagle Gym | 7,500
Henry Noble Gymnasium | 980
JCSGO Seed Dome | 1,000
San Juan Knights | Filoil Flying V Centre | 5,500
Valenzuela Classic | Valenzuela Astrodome | 3,000
South Division
Bacoor City Strikers | Strike Gymansium | 1,500
Basilan Steel | Lamitan Capitol Gymansium | 3,000
Batangas City Athletics | Batangas City Sports Coliseum | 4,000
Batangas State University Gymnasium | 2,500
De La Salle Lipa SENTRUM | 1,000
Cebu City Sharks | USJ–R Basak Coliseum | 4,000
Hoops Dome | 6,500
Davao Occidental Tigers | USeP Gymnasium and Cultural Center | 6,000
Rizal Memorial Colleges Gymnasium | 2,000
GenSan Warriors | Lagao Gymnasium | 6,000
Imus Bandera | Imus City Sports Complex | 1,000
Laguna Heroes | Alonte Sports Arena | 6,500
Marikina Shoemasters | Marist School Gymnasium | 2,500
Muntinlupa Cagers | Muntinlupa Sports Center | 3,000
Parañaque Patriots | Olivarez College Gymnasium | 3,500
Rizal Crusaders | Ynares Center | 7,400
Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum | 12,000
Neutral
Opening ceremonies | Smart Araneta Coliseum | 25,000
All-Star Game | SM Mall of Asia Arena | 15,000

### Name changes

[edit]

* The Bataan Defenders changed its name to Bataan Risers before the start of the season.
* The Makati Skyscrapers changed their team name to Makati Super Crunch in November 2018.
* The Valenzuela Classic its team name to Valenzuela Idol Cheesedogs in July 2018, but was later reverted back in November 2018.
* The Zamboanga Valientes changed its team name to Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines in 2019.

### Coaching changes

[edit]

Off-season

Team  | Outgoing coach  | Incoming coach
Bulacan Kuyas | Chris Baluyot  | Britt Reroma
Navotas Clutch | Elvis Tolentino  | Richie Ticzon
Parañaque Patriots | Aric del Rosario | Eric Samson
Mid-season
Team  | Outgoing coach  | Incoming coach
Basilan Steel | Joseph Romarate  | Jerson Cabiltes
Cebu City Sharks | Gilbert Castillo  | Norberto Manalili
Imus Bandera | Jerry Codiñera
Mike Orquillas  | Mike Orquillas
Noynoy Falcasantos
Laguna Heroes | Alex Angeles  | Nath Gregorio
Mandaluyong El Tigre | Mac Cuan  | Arlene Rodriguez
Muntinlupa Cagers | Aldrin Morante
Aldin Ayo | Aldin Ayo
Jack Azcueta
Navotas Clutch | Richie Ticzon | Gabby Severino
Pampanga Lanterns | Isaiah Duenas  | Aldrin Morante
Bacoor Strikers | Budds Reyes | Leo Isaac
Pasig Pirates | James Machate  | Ronjay Enrile
Parañaque Patriots | Eric Samson
Richie Melencio  | Richie Melencio
Monel Kallos
Valenzuela Classic | Chris Gavina
Eric Samson  | Eric Samson
Juven Formacil
Zamboanga Valientes | Ednie Morones  | Raymund Valenzona

### Roster regulation changes

[edit]

To ensure that the league remains balanced, a new rule was added so that teams were limited to only one Filipino-foreigner per roster, that player must also not be taller than 6'4" (193 cm). The player is classified as Filipino-foreigner if the player is a Filipino of foreign descent, regardless of being a Philippine passport holder. The new rule, however, caused some criticism from fans and players alike.[2][3]

## Regular season

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### Format

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The 26 teams played in a single round-robin format, playing one game against all other teams in the league for a total of 25 games. In each gameday, a series of games is played in a designated home arena, with the home team usually playing in the final game.

The playoffs were expanded from eight teams to sixteen teams in this season. The top eight teams in each division advanced to a four-round, single-elimination playoffs, playing in best-of-three series in the first three rounds, and a best-of-five series in the national finals, with homecourt advantage alternating between the higher seeds of each series in the first two rounds.

### Standings

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#### North Division

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Pos | Team

* v
* t
* e

| Pld | W | L | PCT | GB | Qualification

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1  | Bataan Risers | 25  | 23  | 2  | .920  | -- | Playoffs
2  | Makati Super Crunch | 25  | 21  | 4  | .840  | 2
3  | San Juan Knights | 25  | 20  | 5  | .800[a] | 3
4  | Manila Stars | 25  | 20  | 5  | .800[a] | 3
5  | Bulacan Kuyas | 25  | 14  | 11  | .560  | 9
6  | Navotas Clutch | 25  | 12  | 13  | .480[b] | 11
7  | Quezon City Capitals | 25  | 12  | 13  | .480[b] | 11
8  | Caloocan Supremos | 25  | 11  | 14  | .440[c] | 12
9  | Pampanga Lanterns | 25  | 11  | 14  | .440[c] | 12  |
10  | Valenzuela Classic | 25  | 10  | 15  | .400  | 13
11  | Mandaluyong El Tigre | 25  | 8  | 17  | .320[d] | 15
12  | Pasay Voyagers | 25  | 8  | 17  | .320[d] | 15
13  | Pasig Pirates | 25  | 4  | 21  | .160  | 19

Source: Standings
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2a) If two teams are tied, head-to-head match-up; 2b) If three or more teams are tied, head-to-head point quotient; 3) overall point quotient; 4) coin toss.
Notes:

1. ^ a b San Juan wins tiebreaker over Manila by head-to-head victory.
2. ^ a b Navotas wins tiebreaker over Quezon City by head-to-head victory.
3. ^ a b Caloocan wins tiebreaker over Pampanga by head-to-head victory.
4. ^ a b Mandaluyong wins tiebreaker over Pasay by head-to-head victory.

#### South Division

[edit]

Pos | Team

* v
* t
* e

| Pld | W | L | PCT | GB | Qualification

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1  | Davao Occidental Tigers | 25  | 20  | 5  | .800  | -- | Playoffs
2  | Batangas City Athletics | 25  | 15  | 10  | .600[a] | 5
3  | Muntinlupa Cagers | 25  | 15  | 10  | .600[a] | 5
4  | GenSan Warriors | 25  | 14  | 11  | .560  | 6
5  | Bacoor City Strikers | 25  | 13  | 12  | .520  | 7
6  | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 25  | 12  | 13  | .480  | 8
7  | Imus Bandera | 25  | 11  | 14  | .440[b] | 9
8  | Cebu City Sharks | 25  | 11  | 14  | .440[b] | 9
9  | Laguna Heroes | 25  | 10  | 15  | .400  | 10  |
10  | Parañaque Patriots | 25  | 8  | 17  | .320[c] | 12
11  | Marikina Shoemasters | 25  | 8  | 17  | .320[c] | 12
12  | Basilan Steel | 25  | 7  | 18  | .280[d] | 13
13  | Rizal Crusaders | 25  | 7  | 18  | .280[d] | 13

Source: Standings
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2a) If two teams are tied, head-to-head match-up; 2b) If three or more teams are tied, head-to-head point quotient; 3) overall point quotient; 4) coin toss.
Notes:

1. ^ a b Batangas City wins tiebreaker over Muntinlupa by head-to-head victory.
2. ^ a b Imus wins tiebreaker over Cebu City by head-to-head victory.
3. ^ a b Parañaque wins tiebreaker over Marikina by head-to-head victory.
4. ^ a b Basilan wins tiebreaker over Rizal by head-to-head victory.

### Results

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Teams  | BCR | BAS | BAN | BTG | BUL | CAL | CEB | DVO | GS | IMS | LAG | MKT | MDL | MNL | MAR | MUN | NAV | PAM | PAR | PSY | PSG | QC | RZL | SJ | VAL | ZAM

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Bacoor City |  | 79–67  | 75–84  | 62–70  | 76–77  | 86–68  | 76–71  | 50–69  | 71–82  | 90–79  | 91–86  | 67–73  | 61–83  | 92–86  | 85–87  | 83–97  | 81–75  | 80–81  | 20–0[a] | 90–86  | 84–59  | 90–87  | 74–63  | 63–74  | 88–81  | 63–72
Basilan | —  |  | 77–108  | 94–89  | 57–59  | 92–84  | 86–76  | 61–86  | 81–83  | 108–113  | 62–80  | 65–77  | 70–68  | 67–79  | 82–85  | 75–99  | 97–102  | 88–78  | 89–84  | 66–69  | 77–102  | 68–74  | 94–90  | 84–95  | 94–96  | 80–94
Bataan | —  | —  |  | 81–67  | 63–49  | 94–81  | 76–69  | 91–88  | 62–58  | 95–85  | 77–70  | 72–70  | 109–65  | 82–89  | 81–64  | 67–63  | 84–78  | 87–74  | 102–73  | 77–60  | 105–87  | 101–68  | 88–74  | 61–67  | 59–55  | 76–74
Batangas City | —  | —  | —  |  | 54–63  | 81–69  | 66–72  | 70–71  | 92–86  | 96–93  | 54–61  | 72–65  | 61–57  | 79–80  | 62–52  | 82–71  | 98–101**  | 75–80  | 71–57  | 60–57  | 69–62  | 95–90  | 92–90*  | 85–78  | 66–78  | 104–93
Bulacan | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 86–82  | 54–70  | 88–85*  | 43–56  | 117–113*  | 87–70  | 94–99  | 91–102  | 62–84  | 79–72  | 66–86  | 89–98  | 67–65  | 77–58  | 73–70  | 102–96  | 61–55  | 80–61  | 76–94  | 75–84  | 72–75
Caloocan | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 70–71  | 68–82  | 84–75  | 74–69  | 76–62  | 57–79  | 83–77  | 68–95  | 94–91  | 79–72  | 55–59  | 78–62  | 87–94  | 85–63  | 91–81  | 79–81  | 92–80  | 77–81  | 90–87  | 67–72
Cebu City | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 64–71  | 66–70  | 61–90  | 77–75**  | 70–66  | 63–72  | 76–107  | 78–74  | 80–73  | 73–83  | 69–68  | 73–81  | 76–61  | 56–53  | 68–75  | 57–80  | 62–71  | 78–75  | 58–61
Davao Occidental | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 83–84  | 75–71  | 72–66  | 77–79  | 86–63  | 88–89  | 80–68  | 88–82  | 72–59  | 82–77  | 92–82  | 68–61  | 88–82  | 90–78  | 84–74  | 87–75  | 92–85  | 93–68
General Santos | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 79–73  | 69–66  | 71–86  | 93–89  | 57–63  | 81–88  | 60–61  | 80–73  | 72–64  | 80–76  | 64–70  | 116–72  | 72–77  | 65–58  | 76–86  | 72–79  | 78–69
Imus | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 67–65  | 79–76  | 107–90  | 68–69  | 72–71  | 74–80  | 79–78  | 88–76  | 95–77  | 75–79  | 117–87  | 71–80  | 73–85  | 50–77  | 81–71  | 78–83
Laguna | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 65–76  | 76–72  | 74–68  | 63–61  | 95–94  | 74–61  | 58–75  | 76–52  | 72–76  | 83–75  | 80–85  | 79–80  | 56–81  | 74–66  | 80–86
Makati | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 79–63  | 99–98  | 90–71  | 52–50  | 96–87  | 69–67  | 75–50  | 67–59  | 76–71  | 102–78  | 66–55  | 78–73  | 67–64  | 77–65
Mandaluyong | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 73–92  | 62–76  | 74–86  | 59–55  | 85–90  | 77–75  | 70–74  | 98–55  | 76–86  | 65–51  | 60–76  | 64–78  | 71–61
Manila | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 91–89  | 100–86  | 92–96  | 100–75  | 98–88  | 115–85  | 111–98  | 76–71  | 71–70  | 80–84*  | 89–84  | 60–59
Marikina | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 76–85  | 80–76  | 76–91  | 68–71  | 71–69  | 71–67  | 78–74  | 69–75  | 65–77  | 99–102**  | 80–87
Muntinlupa | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 101–95  | 80–87  | 77–76  | 80–67  | 98–92*  | 97–100*  | 84–80  | 77–71  | 90–86  | 85–69
Navotas | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 88–89  | 90–83  | 83–75  | 97–70  | 120–105  | 87–81  | 74–81  | 72–70  | 78–89
Pampanga | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 82–79  | 86–83  | 67–69  | 97–94  | 76–85  | 70–93  | 82–90  | 87–85
Parañaque | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 73–69  | 87–69  | 64–65  | 59–47  | 77–87  | 76–73  | 68–58
Pasay | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 84–71  | 83–81  | 87–81  | 66–89  | 80–93  | 74–91
Pasig | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | –  |  | 98–95  | 81–78  | 60–87  | 88–95  | 78–92
Quezon City | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 81–79  | 50–68  | 76–72  | 109–81
Rizal | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 85–77  | 74–76  | 77–73
San Juan | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 102–83  | 80–59
Valenzuela | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |  | 71–79
Zamboanga | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —  |

Source: Schedule
Legend: Blue = left column team win; Red = top row team win.
Matches with lighter background shading were decided after overtime.
Notes:

1. ^ Originally played on November 15, the game originally was an 82–81 Parañaque win. Due to a scoring error, the game would have been replayed at 81–81 in overtime, but Parañaque did not show up during the replay. Thus, the win was awarded to Bacoor City by forfeit.[4]

Not all games are in home–away format. Each team plays every team once. Number of asterisks after each score denotes number of overtimes played.

## Playoffs

[edit]

Main article: 2019 MPBL playoffs

Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its division, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. Teams with home court advantage, the higher seeded team, are shown in italics.

| Division quarterfinals
(best-of-3) | | | Division semifinals
(best-of-3) | | | Division finals
(best-of-3) | | | National finals
(best-of-5) |

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|  |  |  | | |  |  |  | | |  |  |  | | |  |  |  |
| N1 | Bataan | 2 | | | |
| N8 | Caloocan | 0 |
| | N1 | Bataan | 1 |
|  |
| | | N4 | Manila | 2 |
| N4 | Manila | 2 |

| N5 | Bulacan | 0 |
| | N4 | Manila | 1 |
| North Division |
| | | N3 | San Juan | 2 |
| N2 | Makati | 0 | |

| N7 | Quezon City | 2 |
| | N7 | Quezon City | 0 |
|  |
| | | N3 | San Juan | 2 |
| N3 | San Juan | 2 |

| N6 | Navotas | 0 |
| | N3 | San Juan | 3 |
|  |
| | | S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 |
| S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | | |

| S8 | Cebu City | 0 |
| | S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 |
|  |
| | | S5 | Bacoor City | 0 |
| S4 | General Santos | 0 |

| S5 | Bacoor City | 2 |
| | S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 |
| South Division |
| | | S2 | Batangas City | 1 |
| S2 | Batangas City | 2 | |

| S7 | Imus | 1 |
| | S2 | Batangas City | 2 |
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| | | S6 | Zamboanga | 1 |
| S3 | Muntinlupa | 1 |

| S6 | Zamboanga | 2 |

This box:

* view
* talk
* edit

### First round

[edit]

In the first round, the first- and second-seeded teams host games 1 and 3 of its respective division, while the third- and fourth-seeded teams host game 2.

#### North Division first round

[edit]

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3

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(1) Bataan Risers | 2–0  | (8) Caloocan Supremos | 91–71  | 83–71  | —
(2) Makati Super Crunch | 0–2  | (7) Quezon City Capitals | 77–88 | 74–77 | —
(3) San Juan Knights | 2–0  | (6) Navotas Clutch | 81–76  | 75–69  | —
(4) Manila Stars | 2–0  | (5) Bulacan Kuyas | 69–65  | 92–83  | —

#### South Division first round

[edit]

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3

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(1) Davao Occidental Tigers | 2–0  | (8) Cebu City Sharks | 82–67  | 76–69  | —
(2) Batangas City Athletics | 2–1  | (7) Imus Bandera | 77–69  | 69–75 | 92–65
(3) Muntinlupa Cagers | 1–2  | (6) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 89–78  | 73–84 | 83–87
(4) General Santos Warriors | 0–2  | (5) Bacoor Strikers | 80–90 | 78–92 | —

### Division semifinals

[edit]

In the Division Semifinals, the highest seeded team hosts games 1 and 3, while the second-highest seeded team hosts game 2.

#### North Division semifinals

[edit]

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3

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(1) Bataan Risers | 1–2  | (4) Manila Stars | 73–72  | 76–80 | 51-56
(3) San Juan Knights | 2–0  | (7) Quezon City Capitals | 94–86  | 106–81  | —

#### South Division semifinals

[edit]

Due to Davao Occidental advancing after game 2, Batangas City instead hosted game 3.

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3

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(1) Davao Occidental Tigers | 2–0  | (5) Bacoor Strikers | 79–71  | 87–67  | —
(2) Batangas City Athletics | 2–1  | (6) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 58–72 | 67–57  | 80–72

### Division finals

[edit]

In the Division Finals, the higher-seeded team hosts games 1 and 3 in its respective division, while the lower-seeded team hosts game 2.

#### North Division finals

[edit]

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3

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(3) San Juan Knights | 2–1  | (4) Manila Stars | 88–91 | 92–90  | 83–74

#### South Division finals

[edit]

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3

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(1) Davao Occidental Tigers | 2–1  | (2) Batangas City Athletics | 66–48  | 74–76 | 66–51

### MPBL finals

[edit]

Main article: 2019 MPBL finals

In the MPBL finals, the higher-seeded team hosts games 1, 2, and 5, while the lower-seeded team hosts games 3 and 4.

Both teams finished the season 20–5, but the Davao Occidental Tigers held the homecourt advantage for the finals, as they have defeated San Juan in their regular season matchup, but the San Juan Knights eventually won the championship in 5 games.

Team 1  | Series | Team 2  | Game 1  | Game 2  | Game 3 | Game 4 | Game 5

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

(S1) Davao Occidental Tigers | 2–3  | (N3) San Juan Knights | 74–84 | 67–60  | 62–67 | 77–66 | 86–87

## All-Star Game

[edit]

2019 MPBL All-Star Game | North All-Stars |  South All-Stars

|

84  | 109
Head coach:
Jojo Lastimosa
(Bataan Risers) | Head coach:
Don Dulay
(Davao Occidental Tigers)
|  | 1| 2| 3| 4 | Total

|
|
|
|
|

North All-Stars | 21| 23| 20| 20 | 84
South All-Stars | 21| 20| 38| 30 | 109
Date| March 2, 2019
Venue| SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay
MVP| Jeff Viernes

2020 ->

The 2019 MPBL All-Star Game was an exhibition game played on March 2, 2019. It was the inaugural edition of the MPBL All-Star Game, which took place at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The South Division prevailed over the North Division with a score of 109–84. Jeff Viernes was declared the All-Star Game MVP.[5]

### Lineups

[edit]

North All-Stars  | Pos  | Player  | Team

|
|

Starters
| Cedric Ablaza  | Makati Super Crunch
| Mark Andaya | Pasig Pirates
| Mike Ayonayon | San Juan Knights
| Gary David | Bataan Risers
| Aris Dionisio | Manila Stars
Reserves
| Gian Abrigo  | Mandaluyong El Tigre
| Jaypee Belencion  | Pasay Voyagers
| Chris Bitoon  | Manila Stars
| Jay Collado  | Quezon City Capitals
| Marlon Gomez  | Navotas Clutch
| Levi Hernandez  | Pampanga Lanterns
| Paulo Hubalde | Valenzuela Classic
| Larry Rodriguez | San Juan Knights
| Jay-R Taganas | Bulacan Kuyas
| Almond Vosotros | Caloocan Supremos
Head coach: Jojo Lastimosa (Bataan Risers)
South All-Stars  | Pos  | Player  | Team

|
|

Starters
| Gerald Anderson | Marikina Shoemasters
| Gab Banal | Bacoor City Strikers
| Jhaymo Eguilos  | Batangas City Athletics
| Allan Mangahas  | Muntinlupa Cagers
| Mark Yee | Davao Occidental Tigers
Reserves
| Marco Balagtas  | Rizal Crusaders
| Patrick Cabahug  | Cebu City Sharks
| Cris Masaglang  | GenSan Warriors
| Paulo Castro  | Parañaque Patriots
| Reed Juntilla | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines
| Michael Mabulac  | Laguna Heroes
| Ian Melencio  | Imus Bandera
| Leo Najorda | Davao Occidental Tigers
| Jojo Tangkay | Basilan Steel
| Jeff Viernes | Batangas City Athletics
Head coach: Don Dulay (Davao Occidental)

### Game

[edit]

S+A

March 2, 2019

North All-Stars | 84-109 | South All-Stars

|
|

Scoring by quarter: 21–21, 23–20, 20–38, 20–30
Pts: Chris Bitoon 11 |  | Pts: Jeff Viernes 19

Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay

### Pre-game events

[edit]

Before the game itself, multiple pre-game events were held. These include the Executives' Game, 2-Ball Challenge, Three-Point Shootout, and Slam Dunk Competition. The champions of these events are as follows:

* Executives' Game Champions: North Division Executives
* 2-Ball Challenge Champions: Pamboy Raymundo and Byron Villarias (Bataan Risers)
* Three-Point Shootout Champion: Gary David (Bataan Risers)
* Slam Dunk Competition Champion: David Carlos (Makati Super Crunch)

## Statistics

[edit]

### Individual statistic leaders

[edit]

Category | Player | Team | Statistic

|
|
|

Points per game | Almond Vosotros | Caloocan Supremos | 20.33
Total Rebounds per game | JR Taganas | Bulacan Kuyas | 12.64
Assists per game | Paolo Hubalde | Valenzuela Classic | 8.48
Steals per game | Paolo Hubalde | Valenzuela Classic | 2.8
Blocks per game | Aris Dionisio | Manila Stars | 2.17
Turnovers per game | Bonbon Custodio | Davao Occidental Tigers | 4.4
Fouls per game | Chad Alonzo | Bacoor City Strikers | 3.57
Minutes per game | Paolo Castro | Parañaque Patriots | 33.58
FG% | Art Patrick Aquino | San Juan Knights | 59.0%
FT% | Eric Dela Cuesta | Rizal Crusaders | 91.0%
3FG% | Nico Abatayo | Batangas City Athletics | 67.0%
Double-doubles | Harold Miguel Arboleda | Parañaque Patriots | 7
Triple-doubles | Gab Banal | Bacoor Strikers | 3

### Individual game highs

[edit]

Category | Player | Team | Statistic

|
|
|

Points | Leomer Losentes | GenSan Warriors | 41
Rebounds | JR Taganas | Bulacan Kuyas | 26
Assists | Allan Mangahas | Muntinlupa Cagers | 17
Steals | Warren Ybanez | Marikina Shoemasters | 8
Blocks | Eduardo Doroteo | Pasig Pirates | 7
Three-pointers | Yves Sazon | Marikina Shoemasters | 7

## Awards

[edit]

### Individual season awards

[edit]

Most of the league's individual awards made their debut this season, which were given out before game 4 of the 2019 national finals at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.[6][7] The Finals Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year were given out at the conclusion of the series.[8]

Award  | Recipient  | Team

|
|

Most Valuable Player | Gab Banal | Bacoor City Strikers
Finals Most Valuable Player | Mike Ayonayon | San Juan Knights
Defensive Player of the Year | Aris Dionisio | Manila Stars
Coach of the Year | Randy Alcantara | San Juan Knights
Executive of the Year | Oscar Malapitan | Caloocan Supremos
Sportsmanship award | Jay-R Taganas | Bulacan Kuyas

### All-MPBL teams

[edit]

This was the first season in which the league honored its best players with All-MPBL Teams.

| All-MPBL First Team

Player  | Team
Mark Yee | Davao Occidental Tigers
Gab Banal | Bacoor City Strikers
Aris Dionisio | Manila Stars
Chris Bitoon  | Manila Stars
Allan Mangahas  | Muntinlupa Cagers
| All-MPBL Second Team

Player  | Team
John Wilson | San Juan Knights
Michael Mabulac  | Laguna Heroes
Jai Reyes | Navotas Clutch
Harold Arboleda | Zamboanga Valientes
Leo Najorda | Davao Occidental Tigers

### Players of the Week

[edit]

Alongside the multitude of new awards, the league also began honoring its best players for each week of the regular season.

Week | Player | Ref.

|
|

June 12−16, 2018 | Reed Juntilla (Zamboanga Valientes) | [9]
June 19−23, 2018 | Christopher Sumalinog (Bacoor City Strikers) | [10]
June 26–30, 2018 | Jai Reyes (Laguna Heroes) | [11]
July 3–6, 2018 | Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Mandaluyong El Tigre) |
July 10–12, 2018 | Mar Villahermosa (Caloocan Supremos) |
July 16–21, 2018 | Michael Juico (Pampanga Lanterns) |
July 31 – August 4, 2018 | Mikee Reyes (Bacoor City Strikers) |
August 7–11, 2018 | Reed Juntilla (Zamboanga Valientes) |
August 14–16, 2018 | Gab Banal (Bacoor City Strikers) |
August 21–25, 2018 | Allan Mangahas (Muntinlupa Cagers) |
August 28 – September 1, 2018 | Billy Ray Robles (Davao Occidental Tigers) |
September 4–8, 2018 | Allan Mangahas (Muntinlupa Cagers) |
September 11–13, 2018 | Aris Dionisio (Manila Stars) |
September 19–23, 2018 | Mark Yee (Davao Occidental Tigers) |
September 25–29, 2018 | Mark Yee (Davao Occidental Tigers) |
October 2–6, 2018 | Gab Banal (Bacoor City Strikers) |
October 9–13, 2018 | Jan Jamon (Pasay Voyagers) | [12]
October 16–20, 2018 | Bobby Balucanag (Pasay Voyagers) | [13]
October 22–27, 2018 | Paulo Hubalde (Valenzuela Idol Cheesedogs) |
October 30 – November 3, 2018 | Jeff Viernes (Batangas City Athletics) |
January 3–5, 2019 | Renato Ular (Marikina Shoemasters) |
January 7–12, 2019 | Mac Cardona (San Juan Knights) |
February 11–16, 2019 | Mark Andaya (Pasig Pirates) |

## Notable events

[edit]

### Events

[edit]

* March 11, 2019 – The Bacoor City–Parañaque replay was forfeited in Bacoor City's favor, marking the first time in which a game was forfeited in any manner.

## Media

[edit]

This season marked the second of three years of ABS-CBN's broadcasting rights of the league, as games were aired on S+A channel. In addition, Fox Sports Philippines started broadcasting games this season. The league also began streaming all of its games on its official Facebook page.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Joble, Rey (October 18, 2018). "FOX Sports to air monday MPBL games starting November 5". Fox Sports Philippines. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
2. ^ "MPBL takes a hit for 'racist' rule limiting teams to only one Fil-foreign player". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
3. ^ "Tratter: MPBL rule on Fil-foreigners taking away opportunity from players". ESPN.com. May 17, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
4. ^ Joble, Rey (March 11, 2019). "Bacoor secures No.5 seat in south after winning via forfeiture over Paranaque". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved March 11, 2019.[permanent dead link]
5. ^ "South tops North as Viernes, Anderson shine in MPBL All-Stars". Rappler. March 3, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
6. ^ Joble, Rey (April 18, 2019). "Ask the fans | Who makes your list of awardees for the MPBL Datu Cup?". Fox Sports Philippines. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
7. ^ Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (April 22, 2019). "Gab Banal wins MPBL MVP plum". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
8. ^ "MPBL: San Juan downs Davao Occidental captures title in dramatic fashion". ABS-CBN Sports. April 25, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
9. ^ Isaga, JR (June 20, 2018). "MPBL week 1: Juntilla bags Player of the Week, Sazon wows in opener". Rappler. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
10. ^ Bolo, Lance (June 27, 2018). "Best Player of the Week (June 19–23), Christopher Sumalinog of Bacoor City Strikers, He registered 22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks against Cebu City Sharks - Casino Ethyl Alcohol last week". Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
11. ^ Bolo, Lance (July 2, 2018). "Player of the Week (June 26–30): JAI REYES, Nagtala ng double-double performance (21pts, 11rebs, 5ast, 1stl) si Jai Reyes ng Laguna Krah Heroes upang makuha ang unang panalo ng kanyang koponan kontra sa home team Pasig Pirates nung nakaraang June 26". Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
12. ^ "Player of the Week: (Oct. 9-13): JAN JAMON (Pasay Voyagers)". Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Facebook Page. Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
13. ^ "Player of the Week (Oct. 16-20): BOBBY BALUCANAG (Pasay Voyagers)". October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.

* v
* t
* e

MPBL seasons

* 2018
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* ~~2020–21~~
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

The 2020–21 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

* v
* t
* e

2018–19 MPBL season

* All-Star Game
* Playoffs
* Finals

North Division|

Bataan
Bulacan
Caloocan
Makati
Mandaluyong
Manila
Navotas
Pampanga
Pasay
Pasig
Quezon City
San Juan
Valenzuela

South Division|

Bacoor City
Basilan
Batangas City
Cebu City
Davao Occidental
General Santos
Imus
Laguna
Marikina
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Rizal
Zamboanga
*[Pos]: Position
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Pld]: Played
*[W]: Won
*[L]: Lost
*[PCT]: Win percentage
*[GB]: Games behind