Two generations of University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons guards took center stage as the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season opened in emphatic fashion on Friday.
Gerry Abadiano, a product of the Fighting Maroons’ Goldwin Monteverde era, powered San Juan to a dominant 90-61 rout of Pasay at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, Jun Manzo, the former floor general of the Bo Perasol era, erupted for a scoring masterclass to power Cebu to an 81-65 victory over Rizal-Xentro Mall at the Alonte Sports Arena.
San Juan, rekindling its championship form from its 2019 title run, leaned on a balanced attack to break the game wide open.
Abadiano finished with 14 points built on three triples, adding two rebounds, as he led a scoring spread that saw Dexter Maiquez, Michael Calisaan, and Orlan Wamar dictate the tempo.
An 8-0 burst capped by consecutive triples from Wamar and Rey Hugnatan stretched the lead to 81-52 with just over three minutes remaining, putting the result beyond doubt.
Maiquez added 11 points, Calisaan tallied 10 points and six rebounds, while Wamar contributed 10 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.
James Kwekuteye and Reyland Torres chipped in nine points apiece, while Patrick Sleat added seven markers.
Highly-touted Mike Phillips, who recently arrived from the United States, did not see action as he was rested by San Juan head coach Alex Angeles.
(C) MPBL
In the South Division opener, Manzo caught fire in the second half, pouring in 17 of his game-high 29 points, highlighted by five triples, to go along with three rebounds and three assists.
He was backed by fellow former Maroon Paul Desiderio, who finished with 11 points and five assists. Wowie Escosio also added 11 points.
Rizal drew 11 points each from Laurenz Victoria and JP Maguliano, while Alwyn Alday chipped in 10.
The opening ceremonies were held simultaneously across both venues, ushering in another season of competition for the 28-team league.
