Games Saturday (Caloocan Sports Complex)
3 p.m. — Abra vs Sarangani
5 p.m. — Batangas vs Bataan
7 p.m. — Muntinlupa vs Caloocan
National titlist Abra Solid North, revamped Batangas and reinforced Caloocan battle separate opponents on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the start of the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational: Road to Tip-off at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The Abra Solid North Weavers tackle the Sarangani-10ACT Marlins at 3 p.m., the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters test the Bataan Risers at 5 p.m., while the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo tangle with the Muntinlupa Cagers at 7 p.m. in the Invitational, which drew a record 18 teams.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta said Bacolod Masskara and Zamboanga-SIKAT joined the original 16 teams at the last minute with the approval of MPBL Founder Manny Pacquiao.
The Weavers, the North Division champion who swept South Division counterpart Quezon Huskers in the 2025 National Finals, will be powered by reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso, Rookie of the Year Raven Gonzales, gunners Encho Serrano and Mike Ayonayon, and towering recruits Drex Delos Reyes and Tucker Molina in their Group A campaign.
Batangas has infused new blood through Abdul Sawat, Wendelino Comboy, Jhan Nermal, Rhinwill Yambing and Kraniel Viloria, all of whom are expected to contribute to the Rum Masters’ drive for a top 3 finish in the Group A elimination stage.
Joining Abra and Batangas are Gensan, Binan Tatak Gel, Mindoro, Quezon City Galeries Taipan, Bataan and Bacolod.
Caloocan has bolstered its roster with blue-chip recruits Kean Baclaan from La Salle and Dominic Escobar from Ateneo, solid performers Jielo Razon and Jake Gaspay, and reliable veterans Rob Celiz, Eric Camson and Jammer Jamito, making Batang Kankaloo an instant contender in Group B.
Bracketed with Caloocan are Quezon Province, San Juan, Pasay, Ilagan Isabela, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Zamboanga and the Junior MPBL D-League Selection.
