The 2020–21 MPBL playoffs, originally billed as the 2020 MPBL playoffs and also known as the MPBL Lakan Cup playoffs, was the postseason tournament of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League's 2019–20 season, the league's third overall, and the second under the 16-team format. The postseason tournament began on February 15, 2020 and concluded on March 21, 2021, after the fourth game of the 2021 MPBL finals. The league suspended all the playoffs due to the COVID-19 outbreak in March 12, 2020.[1] After a year of stoppage of play, the league got an approval from the IATF-EID and resumed the playoffs on March 10, 2021, inside a bubble hosted by Subic.[2][3]
| MPBL Lakan Cup playoffs | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Dates | February 15–March 11, 2020 (before suspension) March 10–21, 2021 (after suspension) |
| Teams | 16 |
| Defending champions | San Juan Knights |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Runner-up | San Juan Knights |
| Semifinalists | |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 35 (1 defaulted) |
The 2021 MPBL finals saw the Northern Division champions San Juan Knights competed against the Southern Division champion Davao Occidental Tigers. The Tigers eventually won the championship after beating the Knights in four games, avenging their last season's finals loss in 2019. Mark Yee was named the Finals MVP for that finals series.[4]
Overview
editUpdates to playoff appearances
edit- The San Juan Knights entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season and clinched the best record in the league for the first time in team history.
- The Davao Occidental Tigers entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season and clinched the best record in the South Division for the second consecutive season.
- The Bataan Risers, Batangas City Athletics, and Bulacan Kuyas entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
- The Bacoor City Strikers, GenSan Warriors, Makati Super Crunch, Manila Stars, and Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
- The Basilan Steel, Bicol Volcanoes, Iloilo United Royals, Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Pasay Voyagers, and Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors entered the playoffs for the first time in team history.
- The Muntinlupa Cagers, Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines, and Quezon City Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since entering the league and making the playoffs since then.
Division semifinals
edit- Davao Occidental beat Zamboanga in game 1 with a score of 47–28. At just 75 points, it is the least combined points scored by both teams in a single game.
- Zamboanga's 28 points is also least points scored by a team in a single game.[5]
- After the first half, the score was 19–11, the 30 combined points is also the least combined points scored by both teams in a single half.[5]
Format
editThe top eight teams from each division advanced to the playoffs. Seeding was based on winning percentage, with tiebreaker rules applied should multiple teams have the same record. The single-elimination bracket consists of four rounds with no reseeding. The first three rounds were best-of-three series and the national finals was a best-of-five series.
During the first two rounds, two games within the same division were played in a gameday, with homecourt advantage alternating between the higher-seeded teams of each series. A traditional homecourt format was then used for the last two rounds, with the division finals using a 1-1-1 format and the national finals using a 2-2-1 format. The designated home team may not be able to play within its home locality. Should it occur, the gameday may take place elsewhere.
Division standings
edit|
North Division
Source: Standings
|
South Division
Source: Standings Notes:
|
Bracket
editTeams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its division, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. Teams with home court advantage, the higher seeded team, are shown in italics.
| Division quarterfinals (best-of-3) | Division semifinals (best-of-3) | Division finals (best-of-3) | National finals (best-of-5) | ||||||||||||||||
| N1 | San Juan | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| N8 | Pasay | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| N1 | San Juan | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| N4 | Pampanga | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| N4 | Pampanga | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| N5 | Bataan | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| N1 | San Juan | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| North Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| N3 | Makati | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| N2 | Manila | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| N7 | Pasig | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| N2 | Manila | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| N3 | Makati | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| N3 | Makati | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| N6 | Bulacan | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| N1 | San Juan | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| S1 | Davao Occidental | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
| S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| S8 | Bicol | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| S5 | Zamboanga | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| S4 | Batangas City | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| S5 | Zamboanga | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| South Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| S3 | Basilan | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| S2 | Bacoor City | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| S7 | General Santos | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
| S2 | Bacoor City | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| S3 | Basilan | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| S3 | Basilan | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| S6 | Iloilo | 0 | |||||||||||||||||
First round
editNorthern Division
edit(1) San Juan Knights vs. (8) Pasay Voyagers
editFebruary 15
08:30 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 75–74 | Pasay Voyagers |
| Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 15–12, 25–24, 22–14 | ||
| Pts: Mike Ayonayon 15 Rebs: Rodriguez, Jhonard Clarito 9 each Asts: CJ Isit, Mike Ayonayon 5 each |
Pts: Axel Inigo 24 Rebs: Dhon Reverente 11 Asts: Gio Lasquety 4 | |
Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan
Referees: E. Villarosa, J. Santiago, Jay Castroverde |
February 20
06:30 pm |
| Pasay Voyagers | 67–74 | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 10–17, 12–15, 20–12, 25–30 | ||
| Pts: Dhon Reverente 23 Rebs: Dhon Reverente 14 Asts: Axel Inigo 7 |
Pts: Wilson 17 Rebs: Wilson 16 Asts: CJ Isit 4 | |
| San Juan wins series, 2–0 | ||
Angeles University Foundation Gym, Angeles City
Referees: Julius Tiquio, Jay Castroverde, Rommel Alcoran |
This is the first playoff meeting between the Knights and the Voyagers.
(2) Manila Stars vs. (7) Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors
editFebruary 18
08:30 pm |
| Manila Stars | 91–88 | Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors |
| Scoring by quarter: 19–26, 35–24, 18–18, 19–20 | ||
| Pts: Lastimosa 23 Rebs: Hayes and Chris Bitoon 6 each Asts: Chris Bitoon 6 |
Pts: Teng 30 Rebs: Gotladera 8 Asts: Teng 5 | |
San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
Referees: Emilio Trangia, J. Santiago, Jay Castroverde |
February 22
06:30 pm |
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 80–82 | Manila Stars |
| Scoring by quarter: 22–14, 20–18, 22–30, 18–18 | ||
| Pts: Teng 25 Rebs: Nimes 10 Asts: Nimes 4 |
Pts: Lastimosa 21 Rebs: Dyke 10 Asts: Bitoon 6 | |
| Manila wins series, 2–0 | ||
Malolos Sports and Convention Center, Malolos City, Bulacan
|
This is the first playoff meeting between the Stars and the Realtors.
(3) Makati Super Crunch vs. (6) Bulacan Kuyas
editFebruary 18
06:30 pm |
| Makati Super Crunch | 94–88 | Bulacan Kuyas |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–24, 22–20, 25–22, 32–22 | ||
| Pts: Baloria 20 Rebs: Lingganay 10 Asts: Lingganay 9 |
Pts: Jovit Dela Cruz and Jess Diputado 17 each Rebs: Jhan Nermal and JR Taganas 9 each Asts: Alvarez and JR Taganas 5 each | |
| Makati leads series, 1–0 | ||
San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
Referees: Julius Tiquio, Carol Guay, Michael Quinay |
February 22
08:30 pm |
| Bulacan Kuyas | 78–86 | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 19–14, 24–20, 21–19 | ||
| Pts: S. Siruma 16 Rebs: J. dela Cruz 12 Asts: J. Alabanza 11 |
Pts: C. Ablaza 22 Rebs: J. Sedurifa 13 Asts: J. Apinan 7 | |
| Makati wins series, 2–0 | ||
Malolos Sports and Convention Center, Malolos City, Bulacan
|
This is the first playoff meeting between the Kuyas and the Super Crunch.
(4) Pampanga Giant Lanterns vs. (5) Bataan Risers
editFebruary 15
06:30 pm |
| Pampanga Giant Lanterns | 71–64 | Bataan Risers |
| Scoring by quarter: 25–8, 23–15, 8–17, 17–22 | ||
| Pts: Levi Hernandez 18 Rebs: Felix Apreku 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 6 |
Pts: Alfred Batino 19 Rebs: Alfred Batino 10 Asts: Gino Jumao-as 4 | |
| Pampanga leads series, 1–0 | ||
February 20
08:30 pm |
| Bataan Risers | 80–83 | Pampanga Giant Lanterns |
| Scoring by quarter: 13–23, 12–24, 29–21, 19–22 | ||
| Pts: Reed Juntilla 22 Rebs: Alfred Batino 6 Asts: Jerome Ortega 5 |
Pts: Dexter Maiquez 19 Rebs: Larry Muyang 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 9 | |
| Pampanga wins series, 2–0 | ||
This is the first playoff meeting between the Giant Lanterns and the Risers.
Southern Division
edit(1) Davao Occidental Tigers vs. (8) Bicol Volcanoes
editFebruary 17
08:30 pm |
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 77–71 | Bicol Volcanoes |
| Scoring by quarter: 14–20, 13–16, 28–17, 22–18 | ||
| Pts: Yee 20 Rebs: Yee 12 Asts: Three players 4 each |
Pts: Jerome Garcia 15 Rebs: Jolas Guerrero 6 Asts: Alwyn Alday 5 | |
Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
Referees: J. Ocfemia, J. Castroverde, H. Benjo Estroga |
February 21
06:30 pm |
| Bicol Volcanoes | 84–81 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 21–16, 13–25, 20–22, 30–18 | ||
| Pts: Alwin Alday 18 Rebs: Jerome Garcia 18 Asts: Ronjay Buenafe 14 |
Pts: Emanuel Calo 15 Rebs: Emanuel Calo 10 Asts: Bonbon Custodio 5 | |
Batangas State University Gym, Batangas City
|
February 26
08:30 pm |
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 64–56 (OT) | Bicol Volcanoes |
| Scoring by quarter: 11–9, 15–15, 16–19, 14–13, Overtime: 8–0 | ||
| Pts: Bonbon Custodio 14 Rebs: Jerwin Gaco 8 Asts: Emanuel Calo 4 |
Pts: Jefferson Ongteco 16 Rebs: Alwin Alday 9 Asts: Ronjay Buenafe 2 | |
| Davao Occidental wins series, 2–1 | ||
Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
|
This is the first playoff meeting between the Tigers and the Volcanoes.
(2) Bacoor City Strikers vs. (7) GenSan Warriors
editFebruary 19
08:30 pm |
| Bacoor City Strikers | 95–72 | GenSan Warriors |
| Scoring by quarter: 24–9, 21–17, 24–28, 26–18 | ||
| Pts: Gabriel Banal 20 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 12 Asts: Gabriel Banal 11 |
Pts: Celiz 17 Rebs: Raymundo 9 Asts: Mike Williams 8 | |
February 24
06:30 pm |
| GenSan Warriors | 60–69 | Bacoor City Strikers |
| Scoring by quarter: 17–16, 16–17, 24–19, 12–8 | ||
| Pts: Robby Celiz 22 Rebs: Daryl Goloran 10 Asts: Mikey Williams 5 |
Pts: Chris Sumalinog 16 Rebs: Gabriel Banal 7 Asts: RJ Ramirez 7 | |
| Bacoor wins series, 2–0 | ||
Lamitan Capitol Gym, Lamitan City, Basilan
|
| Head-to-head matchup | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||||
This is the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Strikers winning the first one.
| Bacoor leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
(3) Basilan Steel vs. (6) Iloilo United Royals
editFebruary 19
06:30 pm |
| Basilan Steel | 83–68 | Iloilo United Royals |
| Scoring by quarter: 22–10, 20–26, 19–17, 22–15 | ||
| Pts: Jerald Bautista 21 Rebs: Cris Dumapig 9 Asts: Hesed Gabo 5 |
Pts: JR Parker 11 Rebs: Rey Publico 6 Asts: JR Parker 3 | |
February 24
08:30 pm |
| Iloilo United Royals | 63–70 | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 24–18, 12–17, 18–15, 16–13 | ||
| Pts: Alfrancis Tamsi 16 Rebs: Richard Escoto 8 Asts: Aaron Jeruta 4 |
Pts: Jay Collado 18 Rebs: Cris Dumapig 11 Asts: Hesed Gabo 4 | |
| Basilan wins series, 2–0 | ||
Lamitan Capitol Gym, Lamitan City, Basilan
|
This is the first playoff meeting between the Steel and United Royals.
(4) Batangas City Athletics vs. (5) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines
editFebruary 17
06:30 pm |
| Batangas City Athletics | 74–78 | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines |
| Scoring by quarter: 25–22, 7–18, 22–17, 20–21 | ||
| Pts: Jeff Viernes 18 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 9 Asts: Jeff Viernes 5 |
Pts: Alvin Pasaol 17 Rebs: Robin Roño 8 Asts: Raffy Reyes 6 | |
Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
Referees: Jonald Belnas, Julius Tiquio, S. Pingol |
February 21
08:30 pm |
| Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 75–84 | Batangas City Athletics |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–23, 21–10, 23–11, 22–31 | ||
| Pts: Santi Santillan 23 Rebs: Santi Santillan 11 Asts: Harold Arboleda 5 |
Pts: Jhaymo Eguilos 17 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 11 Asts: Jeff Viernes 8 | |
Batangas State University Gym, Batangas City
|
February 26
06:30 pm |
| Batangas City Athletics | 52–69 | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–17, 13–12, 22–14, 19–9 | ||
| Pts: Jeff Viernes 13 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 10 Asts: Jason Melano 3 |
Pts: Harold Arboleda 15 Rebs: Harold Arboleda 9 Asts: Harold Arboleda 3 | |
| Zamboanga wins series, 2–1 | ||
Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
|
This is the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Athletics winning the first one.
| Batangas City leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
Division semifinals
editNorthern Division
edit(1) San Juan Knights vs. (4) Pampanga Giant Lanterns
editFebruary 28
9:00 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 86–84 | Pampanga Giant Lanterns |
| Scoring by quarter: 20–20, 30–23, 17–22, 19–19 | ||
| Pts: John Wilson 21 Rebs: Larry Rodriguez 9 Asts: Larry Rodriguez 6 |
Pts: Michael Juico 18 Rebs: Larry Muyang 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 7 | |
March 4
6:30 pm |
| Pampanga Giant Lanterns | 83–91 | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 25–26, 25–22, 14–21, 19–22 | ||
| Pts: J. Maiquez 18 Rebs: J. Maiquez 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 8 |
Pts: John Wilson 26 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 14 Asts: John Wilson 6 | |
| San Juan wins series, 2–0 | ||
San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
|
This is the first playoff meeting between the Knights and Lanterns.
(2) Manila Stars vs. (3) Makati Super Crunch
editFebruary 28
6:30 pm |
| Manila Stars | 77–74 | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–10, 26–18, 18–24, 18–22 | ||
| Pts: Carlo Lastimosa 25 Rebs: Mark Dyke 9 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 6 |
Pts: Jeckster Apinan 17 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 11 Asts: Joseph Sedurifa 6 | |
March 4
9:00 pm |
| Makati Super Crunch | 75–59 | Manila Stars |
| Scoring by quarter: 19–8, 18–13, 10–20, 28–18 | ||
| Pts: Joshua Torralba 23 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 17 Asts: Rudy Lingganay 4 |
Pts: Marvin Hayes 11 Rebs: Ronnie Matias 11 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 8 | |
San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
|
March 6
6:30 pm |
| Manila Stars | 75–78 (OT) | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–23, 21–10, 15–23, 11–13, Overtime: 11–8 | ||
| Pts: Christopher Bitoon 16 Rebs: Mark Dyke 10 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 6 |
Pts: Jhong Baloria 16 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 9 Asts: Jeckster Apinan 3 | |
| Makati wins series, 2–1 | ||
San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
|
This is the first playoff meeting between the Stars and the Super Crunch.
Southern Division
edit(1) Davao Occidental Tigers vs. (5) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines
editMarch 2
9:00 pm |
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 47–28 | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines |
| Scoring by quarter: 11–5, 8–6, 16–12, 12–5 | ||
| Pts: Eman Calo 12 Rebs: Chester Saldua 12 Asts: Joseph Terso 4 |
Pts: Santi Santillan 8 Rebs: Santi Santillan 8 Asts: Harold Arboleda 1 | |
Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
|
March 5
6:30 pm |
| Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 58–62 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 14–11, 12–14, 15–19, 17–18 | ||
| Pts: Robin Rono 15 Rebs: Harold Arboleda and Leonard Santillan 8 each Asts: Harold Arboleda 7 |
Pts: J. Mocon 14 Rebs: Billy Ray Robles 8 Asts: Bonbon Custodio 4 | |
| Davao Occidental wins series, 2–0 | ||
This is the first playoff meeting between the Tigers and the Valientes.
(2) Bacoor City Strikers vs. (3) Basilan Steel
editMarch 2
6:30 pm |
| Bacoor City Strikers | 63–77 | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 16–14, 19–12, 19–25, 23–12 | ||
| Pts: Chris Sumalinog 10 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 8 Asts: Gabriel Banal 4 |
Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 22 Rebs: Arvie Bringas 14 Asts: Hessed Gabo 6 | |
Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
|
March 5
9:00 pm |
| Basilan Steel | 69–80 | Bacoor City Strikers |
| Scoring by quarter: 6–20, 15–23, 23–23, 14–25 | ||
| Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 16 Rebs: Cris Dumapig 7 Asts: Irven Palencia 4 |
Pts: Ian Melencio 17 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 19 Asts: Eric Acuña 8 | |
March 7
6:30 pm |
| Bacoor City Strikers | 76–84 | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 22–13, 19–21, 24–20 | ||
| Pts: Ian Melencio 22 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 13 Asts: Ian Melencio 4 |
Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 35 Rebs: Jay Collado 15 Asts: Chris Dumapig 4 | |
| Basilan wins series, 2–1 | ||
This is the first playoff meeting between the Steel and the Strikers.
Division finals
editNorth Division finals
edit(1) San Juan Knights vs. (3) Makati Super Crunch
editMarch 9, 2020
6:30 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 76–60 | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 24–11, 24–14, 18–16, 20–9 | ||
| Pts: Jhonard Clarito 19 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 18 Asts: Jamil Gabawan 4 |
Pts: Cedrick Ablaza 11 Rebs: Joseph Sedurifa 7 Asts: Rudy Lingganay 3 | |
March 11, 2020
9:00 pm |
| Makati Super Crunch | 91–88 | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 20–17, 24–19, 29–34 | ||
| Pts: Jeckster Apinan 20 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 12 Asts: Rudy Lingganay 7 |
Pts: John Wilson 21 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Orlan Wamar 3 | |
Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan
Attendance: 0 (behind closed doors)[note 1][6] Referees: Jovet Ocfemia, E. Avis, J. Francisco |
March 10, 2021
4:00 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 131–54 | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 38–11, 26–6, 30–19, 37–18 | ||
| Pts: John Wilson 22 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 13 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 11 |
Pts: Edwin Asoro 21 Rebs: Carlos Jay Lloren 8 Asts: Mark Lester Sta. Maria 5 | |
| San Juan wins series, 2–1 | ||
Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
Attendance: 0 (behind closed doors) Referees: J. Castroverde, E. Avis, R. Brila |
Game 3 of the North Division finals was heavily affected in the San Juan Knights' favor as the Makati Super Crunch entered this game with only a five-man roster. Financial troubles amid the COVID-19 pandemic caused key players of the Makati side to not play for the team in the crucial do-or-die game.
South Division finals
edit(1) Davao Occidental Tigers vs. (3) Basilan Steel
editMarch 9, 2020
8:30 pm |
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 72–74 | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 16–16, 20–20, 20–20, 16–18 | ||
| Pts: Billy Ray Robles 15 Rebs: Chester Saldua and Billy Ray Robles 10 each Asts: Billy Ray Robles 5 |
Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 15 Rebs: Allyn Bulanadi 9 Asts: Hesed Gabo 12 | |
RDR Gymnasium, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
|
March 11, 2020
6:30 pm |
| Basilan Steel | 76–81 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–18, 21–19, 28–18, 17–21 | ||
| Pts: Japs Bautista 24 Rebs: Jay Collado 8 Asts: Hesed Gabo 11 |
Pts: Eman Calo 17 Rebs: Eman Calo 8 Asts: Joseph Terso 4 | |
March 16, 2021
|
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 2–0 | Basilan Steel |
| Davao Occidental won Game 3 by default. | ||
| Davao Occidental wins series, 2–1 | ||
Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
|
This game was originally going to be postponed after a player from the Basilan Steel tested positive from COVID-19.[7] The league decided that should another member of the Basilan delegation test positive, the game would be defaulted and Davao Occidental would win the series and the division title.[8] On March 16, the league announced that an additional two members of the Basilan delegation were also tested positive from the virus. As a result, the game, the series, and the division title were all awarded in favor of Davao Occidental by default. As per FIBA rules, the game was ruled as a 2–0 victory for Davao Occidental.[9]
2021 MPBL finals: (N1) San Juan Knights vs. (S1) Davao Occidental Tigers
editThe San Juan Knights and the Davao Occidental Tigers competed in the MPBL finals to determine the third MPBL Champions. This was the first championship series to be held entirely inside a bubble, hosted by Subic. The series was a rematch of the last season's finals between both teams, with San Juan winning last year's championship in five games. The Tigers avenged their last season's finals loss against the Knights, defeating them in four games to win the title.
March 17, 2021
4:00 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 75–77 (OT) | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–15, 15–15, 19–13, 19–25, Overtime: 7–9 | ||
| Pts: Mike Ayonayon 27 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 5 |
Pts: Emman Calo, Mark Yee 15 Rebs: Billy Ray Robles 11 Asts: Billy Ray Robles 4 | |
Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
Attendance: Jay Castroverde, E. Avis, R. Brila |
March 18, 2021
4:00 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 70–65 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–15, 23–22, 14–13, 18–15 | ||
| Pts: John Wilson 17 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 9 |
Pts: Emman Calo 26 Rebs: Mark Yee, Billy Ray Robles 10 each Asts: Mark Yee, Yvan Ludovice 3 each | |
Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
|
March 20, 2021
3:00 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 58–66 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 14–15, 13–26, 15–11, 16–14 | ||
| Pts: Mike Ayonayon 16 Rebs: John Wilson 9 Asts: Rian Michael Ayonayon 3 |
Pts: Billy Ray Robles 13 Rebs: Mark Yee 11 Asts: Yvan Ludovice, Bonbon Custodio 3 each | |
Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
|
March 21, 2021
4:00 pm |
| San Juan Knights | 88–89 (OT) | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 13–16, 29–16, 20–24, Overtime: 8–9 | ||
| Pts: Larry Rodriguez 19 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Carlos Isit Jr. 10 |
Pts: Emman Calo 22 Rebs: Mark Yee 12 Asts: Billy Ray Robles 6 | |
| Davao Occidental wins series, 3–1 | ||
Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
|
This is the second finals meeting between the Knights and the Tigers, with the Knights winning the first one.
| San Juan leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
Broadcast notes
editAs part of the broadcast deal, ABS-CBN held the broadcast rights for the entire playoff series. Prior to the suspension, all games were split between the network's sports channels, S+A and Liga. During the midst of the suspension, ABS-CBN's franchise expired, thus all post-suspension games were aired on A2Z, formed via a blocktime agreement with ZOE Broadcasting Network.
Notes
edit- ^ Game was played behind closed doors due to concerns over the COVID-19.
References
edit- ^ "MPBL: Playoffs suspended indefinitely in wake of COVID-19 threat". ABS-CBN News. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- ^ De La Pena, Leobert Julian (6 March 2021). "MPBL gets IATF green light to stage bubble in Subic". Daily Guardian. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
- ^ Giongco, Mark (6 March 2021). "MPBL set to resume division finals on March 10". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (21 March 2021). "Still going strong at 39, Game 4 hero Mark Yee named Finals MVP". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Davao Occidental limits Zamboanga to 28 points, moves on verge of MPBL South Finals". Tiebreaker Times. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (March 12, 2020). "Makati deals San Juan first playoff loss, sends MPBL North finals to sudden death". Sports Interactive Network.
- ^ "MPBL: Basilan vs. Davao postponed after Basilan player tests positive for COVID-19". ABS-CBN Sports. 10 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "MPBL: South finals outcome depends on swab tests done by Basilan team". ABS-CBN News. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
- ^ "Davao Occidental advances to MPBL National Finals vs. San Juan by default". Inquirer.net. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.