2021 MPBL Invitational

The 2021 MPBL Invitational, officially known as the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM for sponsorship reasons, was an invitational tournament that served as a prelude to the 2022 MPBL season.[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
DatesDecember 11–23, 2021
Finals venueMall of Asia Arena
Teams22
ChampionsBasilan Jumbo Plastic
Runners-upNueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
Third placePasig Sta. Lucia Realtors
Fourth placeImus Buracai de Laiya

The tournament was also the first for the MPBL since it was granted professional status by the Games and Amusements Board.[4] The Invitational 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, with the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, the venue for the tournament only allowing 50 percent capacity.[5]

The Basilan Jumbo Plastic were the 2021 Invitational champions, beating the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in overtime, 83-80.

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-style playoffs.

Prize money

The champion of this tournament will receive PHP2 million. The runner-up will also receive PHP500,000, and the third placer will receive PHP250,000.[6]

Arena

All games were played in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.[7] The league welcomed spectators for the first time since the pandemic.[8]

Entertainment

For the first time since the level of restriction for live musical events are relaxed, Filipino pop and R&B band South Border performed their reunion concert at the pre-show of the championship game. While the rock band Mojofly also performed during the halftime festivities.[9]

Team changes

New teams

Technically, there were no expansion teams in the Invitational, but it did mark the first appearance of the Negros Muscovados in the league. The team would later compete full-time in the 2023 season as an expansion team.

Departing teams

A total of ten teams didn't return for the Invitational. As of 2023, the Cebu Casino Ethyl Alcohol, Davao Occidental Tigers, and Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines are currently inactive.

The Bataan Risers, Batangas City Athletics, Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Quezon City Capitals, and Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines would later return for the 2022 season, while the Parañaque Patriots and Pasay Voyagers would both return in 2023.

Name changes

Draw

The draw for the group stage took place on November 26, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Pasig,[10] at 3:00 p.m. PST (UTC+8), hosted by Mark Zambrano and Christian Luanzon. 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 was the champion of the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup and was automatically assigned to Group B as team B1. 2019–20 Lakan season runner-up San Juan was designated in 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 SGN 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

     
    		QuarterfinalsSemifinalsFinal
     
    		          
     
    		December 21
     
     
    		A1 Pasig 70
     
    		December 22
     
    		C2 San Juan 66
     
    		A1 Pasig 72
     
    		December 21
     
    		B1 Basilan 77
     
    		B1 Basilan 77
     
    		December 23
     
    		D2 Mindoro 72
     
    		B1 Basilan (OT) 83
     
    		December 21
     
    		C1 Nueva Ecija 80
     
    		C1 Nueva Ecija 84
     
    		December 22
     
    		A2 Iloilo 67
     
    		C1 Nueva Ecija 82
     
    		December 21
     
    		D1 Imus 76 3rd place
     
    		D1 Imus 74
     
    		December 23
     
    		B2 Bicol 57
     
    		A1 Pasig 100
     
     
    		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.[11]

    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

    The 2021 Invitational marked a shift in broadcast rights. IBC served as the league's new main TV partner, broadcasting the games on its TV channel. On the other hand, TAP DMV is the league's cable TV partner, broadcasting the games on TAP Sports as well as on its streaming service, TAP Go.[12] The league continued to broadcast all of the games on its Facebook page.[13]

    In the following season, Cignal TV took over the broadcast rights, airing the games on the One brand of channels.

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