Manila Central University stunned a De La Salle University side led by Ajanti Miller, while defending champion University of the Philippines and Letran scored convincing victories to open their campaigns in the PGFlex Invitational Tournament 2026 Quintana Cup on Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
With 6-foot-10 Nigerian center David Odior dominating the paint, the MCU Supremos overwhelmed the Green Archers, 94-70, in a statement victory.
The Fighting Maroons were equally impressive, routing the Diliman College Blue Dragons, 88-47. Meanwhile, the Knights drew inspired performances from Mark Belmonte, Thirdy Malaga, Gabriel Nepacena, Jack Turner, and Santi Romero to demolish St. Clare, 95-74.
Despite his towering frame, Odior showcased surprising quickness and efficiency, finishing with a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds. He also tallied two steals, two blocks, and one assist in just over 24 minutes, setting the tone for the Supremos’ dominant performance.
MCU raced to a 29-16 lead in the opening quarter and never looked back, stretching its advantage to 70-52 heading into the final 10 minutes despite the hot shooting of Miller. The former San Beda star led De La Salle with 27 points.
Three other Supremos scored in double figures, with Ralph Tadeo contributing 18 points, while Juan Carlos Espinosa and Ivan Ngando Eyoum combined for 22 in the tournament backed by Smart, Puso.com, Hapee Toothpaste, Mighty Bond, Spalding, Maruyama, Gerry’s Grill, Crane, Vital Purified Water, and Akari.
Belmonte knocked down three triples on his way to 21 points for Letran, with Malaga and Nepacena adding 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Romero and Turner chipped in a combined 15 points to complete the Knights’ convincing victory.
UP, meanwhile, made quick work of Diliman College, taking a commanding 21-6 lead in the opening quarter and maintaining control throughout behind the efforts of Irish Coquia, Joshua Coronel, CJ Singson, and Joshua Jamias.
Coquia paced the Fighting Maroons with 25 points, followed by Coronel with 21. Then Singson and Jamias combined for 25 points to power the defending champions to a dominant opening-day victory.
