National University and the University of the Philippines emerged as the early leaders of their respective groups following the opening day of the 2026 UAAP Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament group stage on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.
Johann Estacio spearheaded NU’s dominant sweep of the University of Santo Tomas, tallying nine kills and 12 assists across the two-game series to propel the Bulldogs to the top of Group A with three points.
NU head coach Ernest Del Rosario credited the Bulldogs’ preparation for their confident performance against the Teletigers.
“Alam namin na gagawin ng kalaban yung best nila, but with the preparations that we had, we kind of expected the win, and we’re glad that we got it,” Del Rosario said.
The Bulldogs opened the floodgates with a commanding 10-minute victory in Game 1, finishing with a 12-3 advantage in kills. Gold laner Kirk Herrero delivered a flawless performance for NU, recording seven kills and four assists without a single death.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Bulldogs raced to a 3,700-gold advantage midway through the fifth minute of Game 2, with Estacio accounting for four kills and one assist during the early surge.
NU never looked back, as Estacio capped another clinical performance with a perfect 6-0-5 KDA to complete the sweep.
University of the East sits behind NU with two points after securing 1-1 draws against UST and defending champion De La Salle University.
The Bulldogs will have little time to rest, though. They face UE and La Salle — the champions of the tournament’s previous two editions — in their final two group-stage assignments today.
“It’s a big challenge, but we do believe that, to be the best, kailangan namin silang talunin. So we’re just going to do our best,” Del Rosario said.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, UP seized the early lead in Group B after collecting one victory and one draw for four points.
The Fighting Maroons opened their campaign with an impressive 2-0 sweep of Ateneo de Manila University. They then settled for a 1-1 draw with Far Eastern University to close the first day of action.
Adamson University occupies second place with three points after likewise sweeping Ateneo, 2-0.
The Blue Eagles, who suffered consecutive 0-2 defeats, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
