Knights and Greats Shine in Dominant Season Openers

The San Juan Knights displayed their impressive new roster with a commanding 90-61 win over the Pasay Voyagers on Friday, marking the start of the 2026 MPBL season at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

At the same time, the Cebu Greats triumphed over the Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers, 81-65, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

San Juan, aiming to reclaim the national title they last won in 2019, took control in the final stretch of the game. The Knights closed with an 8-0 run, capped by consecutive three-pointers from Orlan Wamar and Rey Hugnatan, to extend their lead to 81-52 with 3:07 remaining.

The Knights established dominance early with well-rounded scoring from Gerry Abadiano, Dexter Maiquez, Michael Calisaan, and Wamar, pulling away to a 65-43 lead.

Abadiano, a former University of the Philippines standout, led San Juan with 14 points, including three three-pointers, along with two rebounds, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Maiquez contributed 11 points, Calisaan added 10 points and six rebounds, and Wamar finished with 10 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.

James Kwekuteye and Reyland Torres added nine points each, while Patrick Slat chipped in seven points, six rebounds, and two assists.

New addition Mike Phillips, a 6-foot-8 big man recently arrived from the United States, was in street clothes for the game, with head coach Alex Angeles opting to rest him after his travel. Phillips, a former Gilas Pilipinas player and UAAP Finals MVP with De La Salle, is expected to debut soon.

San Juan closed the first half strong with an 8-2 run, capped by Maiquez and Hugnatan, to take a 46-29 lead at the break.

In Biñan, the Cebu Greats and Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers traded blows early before Cebu took control in the second half.

Jun Manzo caught fire for the Greats, scoring 17 of his game-high 29 points during a critical stretch. He finished with five three-pointers, three rebounds, and three assists, earning Best Player honors.

Paul Desiderio added 11 points, five assists, and two rebounds, while Wowie Escosio also chipped in 11 points, four rebounds, and two steals.

For Rizal, Laurenz Victoria and JP Maguliano each scored 11 points, while Alwyn Alday contributed 10 points in the loss.

The opening ceremonies featured a parade of North Division teams and muses before MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta officially declared the season open at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

MPBL officials, including CEO Joe Ramos, Operations Head Zaldy Realubit, and Legal Counsel Glenn Gacal, were also present, along with league partners and team representatives. Separate opening ceremonies were held in Biñan for the South Division.

The 28-team tournament continues on Saturday at the Batangas City Coliseum, with Bulacan facing Parañaque at 4 p.m., Manila taking on Mindoro at 6 p.m., and Ilagan Isabela meeting Batangas at 8 p.m.