Chapter 3 Begins!

MPBL embarks on its 3rd season

The cruise is en route to a new journey.

After 48 days had passed from its Datu Cup Finals, Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)
launched its third season, Lakan Cup, featuring 31 teams from across the country last Wednesday, June
12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Manila.

On its second season with national scope, MPBL bid farewell to Mandaluyong El Tigre, who did
not enter this year, and accepted six new teams to its pool, five in the Southern Division and one in the
Northern Division.

Soccsksargen Marlins, Iloilo United Royals, Bicol Volcanoes, Mindoro Tamaraws, and Bacolod
Master Sardines were added to complete a 16-team Southern Division pool while Nueva Ecija
ForestLake replaced the El Tigres in the Northern Division to finalize a 15-team group.

Coinciding with the Independence Day, the opening ceremony started at four in the afternoon
with muses headlining the teams, which includes Nadine Lustre, who fronted the defending champions,
San Juan City Knights, and Sophie Albert, who lead the Marikina Shoemasters’ entourage.

To curtain-raise the tournament, Basilan Steel opened on a high note after welcoming Bicol
Volcanoes to their first defeat with an 11-point deficit, 94-83, as Leo Gabo and Jessie Collado, who were
formerly from Quezon City Capitals, chipped in 16 and 13 points respectively to pilot the Basilan Steel,

Former playoffs competitors, Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines and Davao Occidental Tigers
butt heads in a tenacious second game of the night as Davao managed to survive Zamboanga, 84-82, in
a down-to-the-wire battle.

Billy Robles ended with 14 points to add to the crucial shot block on Med Zalim as he concluded
the night after shutting down Zamboanga from tying the match in the dying seconds of the game.

Moreover, Batangas City Tanduay-Athletics were head-turners of the night after the roster
addition of GMA-7 celebrity, Derek Ramsay, who was alongside former PBA player, Lester Alvarez and
Lyceum of the Philippines’ Jeanette Reyes as muse for the Anta Rajah Cup Champions.

On the other hand, Lasallian Prince Rivero might be sitting out for the Batangas City team in
their first match against Muntinlupa Cagers on June 15 based on the league rules where only five ex-
pros would be allowed to play in the 15-man squad.