2021 MPBL Invitational

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, and the first tournament under the Invitational label.[1][2] It commenced on December 11, 2021 and ended on December 23, 2021.[3]

2021 MPBL Invitational
2021 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM
Country Philippines
DatesDecember 11–23, 2021
Finals venueSM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila
Teams22
ChampionsBasilan Jumbo Plastic
Runners-upNueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
Third placePasig Sta. Lucia Realtors
Fourth placeImus Buracai de Laiya
Matches played50 (group stage)
7 (playoffs)

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.[4] It was also the first professional sports event in the Philippines to allow live audiences since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay was the venue used for all of the Invitational games at 50% capacity for spectators.[5][6][7]

Philip Manalang hit the championship-winning buzzer beater as the Basilan Jumbo Plastic became the 2021 Invitational champions, beating the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in overtime, 83-80. Philip Manalang was adjudged as the tournament Finals MVP.[8]

Format

The format for this tournament was as follows:

  • All teams were divided into four groups that would play in a single round-robin format. Every team plays against the other teams in the same group once.
  • The top two teams in each group would advance to a single elimination playoffs.
  • All series in the playoffs are single game series; the team must win the match for them to stay and advance.
  • The top three teams overall received 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.[9]
  • For the 2021 Invitational only, all roster regulations have been lifted.

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.[10]

Teams

Of the 31 teams that participated in the previous season, 21 took part in the Invitational. The ten teams that opted out include: the Bataan Risers, Batangas City Athletics, Cebu Casino Ethyl Alcohol, Davao Occidental Tigers, Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines, Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Parañaque Patriots, Pasay Voyagers, Quezon City Capitals, and Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines.

In addition, the Invitational also featured the first appearance of the Negros Muscovados, bringing the total to 22 teams.

Name changes

Draw

The draw for the group stage took place on November 26, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Pasig, at 3:00 p.m. PST, hosted by Mark Zambrano and Christian Luanzon.[11] 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).

Basilan, being the champion of the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup 1st Conference, was automatically assigned to Group B as team B1. San Juan, being the runner-up of the 2019–20 season, was assigned to Group C as team C1. The remaining 20 teams were determined by drawing of lots.

Group A
PosTeam
A1Caloocan Excellence
A2Iloilo United Royals
A3All-Star Bacolod Ballers
A4Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors
A5Negros Muscovados
A6Bacoor City Strikers
Group B
PosTeam
B1Basilan Jumbo Plastic
B2Laguna Heroes Krah Asia
B3Bicol Volcanoes
B4Marikina Shoe City
B5Makati FSD Blazers
Group C
PosTeam
C1San Juan Knights GFG AICC
C2Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
C3Sarangani Marlins
C4Valenzuela MJAS Zenith
C5Muntinlupa Cagers
Group D
PosTeam
D1Imus Buracai de Laiya
D2Bulacan Kuyas
D3Emkai-Rizal Xentromall
D4Manila Stars
D5Mindoro EOG Burlington
D6GenSan Warriors

    Group stage

    Group A
    Pos Team W L PCT GB Qualification
    1 Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors 5 0 1.000 — Quarterfinals
    2 Iloilo United Royals 4 1 .800 1
    3 All-Star Bacolod Ballers 3 2 .600 2
    4 Bacoor City Strikers 2 3 .400 3
    5 Caloocan Excellence 1 4 .200 4
    6 Negros Muscovados 0 5 .000 5
    Source:
    Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head matchup, 3) Head-to-head point differential 4) Record vs. the other group, 5) Overall point differential
    Teams BCD BCR CAL ILO NEG PSG
    Bacolod — 73–71 85–65 62–85 68–67 61–86
    Bacoor — 72–50 66–71 87–86 67–76
    Caloocan — 69–80 80–79 60–87
    Iloilo — 83–77 69–90
    Negros — 73–85
    Pasig —
    Source:
    Legend: Blue = left column team win; Red = top row team win.
    Matches with lighter background shading were decided after overtime.

    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.

    Group B
    Pos Team W L PCT GB Qualification
    1 Basilan Jumbo Plastic 4 0 1.000 — Quarterfinals
    2 Bicol Volcanoes 3 1 .750 1
    3 Makati FSD Blazers 2 2 .500 2
    4 Marikina Shoe City 1 3 .250 3
    5 Laguna Heroes Krah Asia 0 4 .000 4
    Source:
    Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head matchup, 3) Head-to-head point differential 4) Record vs. the other group, 5) Overall point differential
    Teams BAS BCL LAG MKT MAR
    Basilan — 70–65 98–95 80–79 98–83
    Bicol — 80–68 86–71 86–65
    Laguna — 86–92 73–79
    Makati — 95–89
    Marikina —
    Source:
    Legend: Blue = left column team win; Red = top row team win.
    Matches with lighter background shading were decided after overtime.

    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.

    Group C
    Pos Team W L PCT GB Qualification
    1 Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards 4 0 1.000 — Quarterfinals
    2 San Juan Knights GFG AICC 3 1 .750 1
    3 Valenzuela MJAS Zenith 2 2 .500 2
    4 Sarangani Marlins 1 3 .250 3
    5 Muntinlupa Cagers 0 4 .000 4
    Source:
    Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head matchup, 3) Head-to-head point differential 4) Record vs. the other group, 5) Overall point differential
    Teams MUN NEC SJK SAR VAL
    Muntinlupa — 72–84 67–71 66–75 72–76
    Nueva Ecija — 88–85 99–92 100–77
    San Juan — 91–72 97–64
    Sarangani — 73–77
    Valenzuela —
    Source:
    Legend: Blue = left column team win; Red = top row team win.
    Matches with lighter background shading were decided after overtime.

    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.

    Group D
    Pos Team W L PCT GB Qualification
    1 Imus Buracai de Laiya 4 1 .800[lower-alpha 1] — Quarterfinals
    2 Mindoro EOG Burlington 4 1 .800[lower-alpha 1] —
    3 Manila Stars 3 2 .600 1
    4 Bulacan Kuyas 2 3 .400 2
    5 Emkai-Rizal Xentromall 1 4 .200[lower-alpha 2] 3
    6 GenSan Warriors 1 4 .200[lower-alpha 2] 3
    Source:
    Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2) Head-to-head matchup, 3) Head-to-head point differential 4) Record vs. the other group, 5) Overall point differential
    Notes:
    1. Head-to-Head: Imus-Mindoro 77–70
    2. Head-to-Head: Rizal-General Santos 73–66
    Teams BUL GSW IMS MNL MDR RZL
    Bulacan — 82–90 65–75 98–89 72–79 87–79
    General Santos — 66–74 65–75 73–87 66–73
    Imus — 77–83 77–70 90–79
    Manila — 77–80 89–59
    Mindoro — 86–83
    Rizal —
    Source:
    Legend: Blue = left column team win; Red = top row team win.
    Matches with lighter background shading were decided after overtime.

    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

    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 (OT) 83
    C1 Nueva Ecija 80
    C1 Nueva Ecija 84
    A2 Iloilo 67
    C1 Nueva Ecija 82 Third place
    D1 Imus 76
    D1 Imus 74 A1 Pasig 100
    B2 Bicol 57 D1 Imus 80

    Quarterfinals
    December 21
    2:30 pm
    Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors 70–66 San Juan Knights GFG AICC
    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
    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
    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

    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

    Third place game
    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
    CategoryPlayerTeamStatistic
    Points per gameJames MartinezBulacan Kuyas20.5
    Rebounds per gameRenato UlarMarikina Shoe City16.0
    Assists per gameAndrey ArmenionValenzuela MJAS Zenith6.5
    Steals per gameMarte GilCaloocan Excellence3.6
    Blocks per gameRamon MabayoCaloocan Excellence2.0
    Fouls per gameVincent ImportanteManila Stars4.0
    Minutes per gameRamon MabayoCaloocan Excellence33.6
    FG%John AmbulodtoManila Stars77.8%
    FT%Ronjay BuenafeGenSan Warriors91.7%
    3FG%Ronjay BuenafeGenSan Warriors52.4%

    Team statistical leaders
    CategoryTeamStatistic
    Points per gameNueva Ecija Rice Vanguards88.1
    Rebounds per gameBasilan Jumbo Plastic54.0
    Assists per gameNueva Ecija Rice Vanguards22.9
    Steals per gameNegros Muscovados11.4
    Blocks per gameAll-Star Bacolod Ballers4.8
    Turnovers per gameAll-Star Bacolod Ballers20.2
    Fouls per gameNegros Muscovados23.8

    Awards

    The individual league awards was given during the Semifinals of the 2021 MPBL Invitational at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.[12]

    Awards Winner (s) Team
    Most Valuable Player Michael Mabulac Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
    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.[13] The league continued to broadcast all of the games on its Facebook page.[14]

    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 officially turns professional". Manila Bulletin. December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
    5. "MPBL will welcome back fans in MOA pocket tournament, says Duremdes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
    6. Giongco, Mark (November 16, 2021). "MPBL to hold 22-team tournament at MOA Arena to kick off return". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
    7. "MPBL will welcome back fans in MOA pocket tournament, says Duremdes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
    8. 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.
    9. "MPBL Invitational champion to get P2-million prize". Rappler. November 26, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
    10. "Luke Mejares, Duncan Ramos, Jay Durias reunite as South Border for MPBL finals". ABS-CBN News. December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
    11. Saldajeno, Ivan (November 27, 2021). "PHP2-M awaits MPBL Invitational champ". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
    12. Leongson, Randolph B. (December 22, 2021). "Michael Mabulac is named MPBL Invitational MVP". Sports Interactive Network. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
    13. "TAP GO". Facebook. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
    14. Terrado, Reuben (December 2, 2021). "Where to watch the MPBL Invitational games". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
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