MCU’s Secret Weapon for UCAL Season 9? Total Reinvention
Manila Central University enters UCAL Season 9 with revamped facilities, seven sports and a renewed focus on student-athlete development.
Basketball
Gilas Pilipinas’ Title Defense Ends in Group Stage
![China produced a balanced offensive attack with seven players scoring in double figures against Gilas Pilipinas. [photo credit: asiangames_2026 Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design715-400x200.png)
Gilas Pilipinas suffered a 105-61 loss to China, ending its Asian Games title defense after a 44-point Group C defeat.
Fighting Maroons Stun Tigers With Furious Fourth-Quarter Surge
![Francis Nnoruka posted 18 points and 12 rebounds as UP completed its comeback against UST. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design713-400x200.png)
UP erased a nine-point deficit to stun UST, 92-85, as Rey Remogat and Francis Nnoruka led the Fighting Maroons’ comeback.
Tovera Dazzles, La Salle Sweats Out Nail-Biter vs. Bulldogs
Joaquin Tovera scored 22 points in his UAAP debut as La Salle edged NU, 89-87, in a wild title-defense opener.
Meralco Overpowers Converge Despite Missing Three Key Starters
![Javee Mocon scored 20 points and sparked Meralco's decisive 19-8 closing run against Converge. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design710-400x200.png)
Meralco leaned on Javee Mocon and Chris Banchero to beat short-handed Converge, 96-89, in the PBA On Tour.
SMB Survives Without Fajardo, Perez in PBA On Tour
![Mo Tautuaa delivered a key three-pointer in the final minute, giving San Miguel Beer a four-point cushion and helping the Beermen close out Phoenix. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design701-400x200.png)
Marcio Lassiter and Mo Tautuaa stepped up as San Miguel Beer beat Phoenix, 94-89, despite missing six regulars in the PBA On Tour.
Ahanmisi, Bolick Lead Gilas Charge Past Kazakhstan
![Ahanmisi was scorching from deep, Bolick battled through injury, and Gilas' defense made life difficult for Kazakhstan. [photo credit: FIBA.com]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design699-400x200.png)
Jerrick Ahanmisi and Robert Bolick combined for 42 points as Gilas Pilipinas crushed Kazakhstan to even its Asian Games record at 1-1.
Gilas Pilipinas Falls to Bahrain Despite Oftana’s Efforts
![Calvin Oftana delivered a career-best international performance with 31 points in Gilas Pilipinas’ 89-85 loss to Bahrain. [FIBA photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design688-400x200.png)
Calvin Oftana erupted for 31 points, but Gilas Pilipinas fell 89-85 to Bahrain in its Asian Games Group C opener.
Ramos, Edu Thank Manila Fans After Wild B.League OT Thriller
![AJ Edu's Gunma won. Dwight Ramos' Levanga fell short. But both Gilas stars left Manila with gratitude for the fans. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design687-400x200.png)
Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu thanked Filipino fans after Gunma beat Hokkaido in overtime to close the historic B.League Manila Games.
Murrell’s Heist-and-Slam Shocks NLEX in PBA Thriller
![David Murrell emerged as a key figure in Blackwater's dramatic win over the NLEX Road Warriors. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Untitled-design667-400x200.png)
David Murrell’s late steal and slam lifted Blackwater past NLEX, 109-107, in a thrilling PBA On Tour finish.