The chase for the crown heats up as eight teams battle for supremacy in the inaugural 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational Tournament, which enters the quarterfinal stage on Sunday at the New Era Central Recreational.
In the quarterfinals, the top two teams from Pool A and Pool B hold a twice-to-beat advantage, while bottom two from each group must win twice to advance to the knockout semifinals—where a bracket champion will be crowned and move one step closer to claiming the inaugural title.
Pool B leader University of Sto. Tomas takes on No. 4 seed New Zealand-Bluefire at 2 p.m. to kick off the quadruple header of the tournament supported by Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist.
The Growling Tigresses will rely on the all-around game and leadership of Kent Pastrana, while the Valkyries look to counter with the floor generalship of Camille Claro.
Meanwhile, at 6 p.m., Pool B No. 2 seed Galeries Tower will go head-to-head with No. 3 Philippine Navy, backed by Kalos PH and Go for Gold.
Afril Bernardino, who made history by recording the league’s first-ever triple-double to close the eliminations, will lead the Lady Sailors alongside Andrea Tongco, the record-holder for most three-pointers in a single game.
Together, they’ll face off against the potent 1-2 punch of Ambie Almazan and Cindy Resultay, the dynamic duo from the Skyrisers.
In Pool A action, top-seeded Discovery Perlas and second-ranked Pilipinas Aguilas aim to finish off their respective matchups in a tournament also supported by Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing, and Bavin.
The stacked Pilipinas Aguilas take on No. 3 Far Eastern University at 4 p.m., looking to make the most of their twice-to-beat edge and move one step closer to the semifinals.
Alexis Pana will once again anchor the Aguilas’ offense, while Amyah Espanol looks to spark the Lady Tamaraws in their bid to force a knockout game.
In the nightcap, Discovery Perlas battles Cavite-Tol in a matchup that heavily favors the top-ranked squad, thanks to its wealth of experience and composure under pressure.
Veteran Allana Lim is expected to spearhead the charge for Discovery Perlas, bringing leadership and poise to a team brimming with experience.
But don’t count out the Lady Patriots just yet as Cavite-Tol has a dangerous weapon in the sweet-shooting Luisa San Juan, who’s capable of catching fire and turning the tide in an instant.
