2021 MPBL Invitational
Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM
Tournament details
Country Philippines
CityPasay
Venue(s)SM Mall of Asia Arena
DatesDecember 11–23, 2021
Teams22
Final positions
ChampionsBasilan Jumbo Plastic
Runner-upNueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
Third placePasig Sta. Lucia Realtors
Fourth placeImus Buracai de Laiya
Tournament statistics
Matches played57
2023 →

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.

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

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

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

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.

List of 2021 MPBL Invitational 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

Draw

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

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

Group A

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 —
Source: Schedule – via Genius Sports
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

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 —
Source: Schedule – via Genius Sports
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

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 —
Source: Schedule – via Genius Sports
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

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 —
Source: Schedule – via Genius Sports
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:
  1. ^ a b Imus wins tiebreaker over Mindoro by head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b Rizal wins tiebreaker over General Santos by head-to-head victory.

Playoffs

Bracket

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

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

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

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

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

Statistics

Individual statistical leaders

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

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

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

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

  1. ^ Ulanday, John Bryan (November 17, 2021). "MPBL sees return to home-and-away play next year". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  2. ^ "MPBL reboots with packed Invitational". Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 17, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  3. ^ Terrado, Reuben (November 16, 2021). "MOA Arena set to host MPBL pocket tournament". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  4. ^ "MPBL will welcome back fans in MOA pocket tournament, says Duremdes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  5. ^ Giongco, Mark (November 16, 2021). "MPBL to hold 22-team tournament at MOA Arena to kick off return". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  6. ^ "MPBL will welcome back fans in MOA pocket tournament, says Duremdes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ Times, Tiebreaker (May 28, 2021). "MPBL mulls closed-circuit setup for late August opening". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  9. ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (November 17, 2021). "MPBL reboots with packed Invitational". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  10. ^ "MPBL officially turns professional". Manila Bulletin. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  11. ^ "Luke Mejares, Duncan Ramos, Jay Durias reunite as South Border for MPBL finals". ABS-CBN News. December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  12. ^ Saldajeno, Ivan (November 27, 2021). "PHP2-M awaits MPBL Invitational champ". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  13. ^ "MPBL Invitational champion to get P2-million prize". Rappler. November 26, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  14. ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (December 22, 2021). "Michael Mabulac is named MPBL Invitational MVP". Sports Interactive Network. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  15. ^ "TAP GO". Facebook. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  16. ^ Terrado, Reuben (December 2, 2021). "Where to watch the MPBL Invitational games". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
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