MPBL cancels Bacolod season over suspected game manipulation

BLOWOUT. The Bacolod Masskara absorb a 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas in the 2026 MPBL season. MPBL YouTube screenshot The Bacolod Masskara have come under suspicion for possible game manipulation after 11 of their 19 MPBL losses came by margins of at least 30 points, including an embarrassing 84-point blowout at the hands of defending champion Abra Weavers MANILA, Philippines – The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Thursday, July 30, announced that it has canceled the season of the Bacolod Masskara over suspicions of game manipulation that stemmed from their blowout loss to the Bulacan Kuyas. Bacolod visibly showed little to no effort in chipping away at its huge deficit in the fourth quarter against Bulacan as it absorbed a 100-64 loss on Tuesday, July 28, at the Cuneta Astrodome. The defeat dropped the Masskara to 3-19 and marked the 11th time that they were demolished by at least 30 points. “In light of recent allegations concerning potential game manipulation, the league office has officially issued red cards to the involved players and coaches of Bacolod Masskara,” the MPBL said in a statement. “All individuals served with red cards are permanently banned from the league. The league is also announcing that the franchise’s participation for the remainder of the season has been cancelled.” Bacolod went scoreless in the final 7 minutes and 48 seconds as its 17-point deficit when it scored its last bucket to make it 64-81 more than doubled at the end of the game. Over that stretch, the Masskara coughed up 6 turnovers, went 0-of-7 from the field, and missed 4 free throws. It became increasingly unpleasant to watch that MPBL broadcaster and sportswriter Cedelf Tupas, who hails from Bacolod, could not hide his frustration while calling the game. “They don’t look like they want to score anymore. Look at them, they’re just walking. Wow,” said Tupas. “It’s tough to watch because there were so many opportunities to score.” The rout from Bulacan came after the Masskara suffered an embarrassing 84-point, 129-45 drubbing at the hands of defending MPBL champion Abra Weavers on July 20. Bacolod’s other lopsided losses came against General Santos (31 points), Caloocan (47), Quezon (52), San Juan (43), Batangas City (33), Bataan (51), Zamboanga (37), and Cebu (30). The MPBL said the Masskara had already received prior warnings from the league over similar incidents involving suspected game manipulation. On Thursday, the MPBL dropped the hammer. “The league stresses that these measures are preventive and administrative as the league will continue its investigation together with relevant government agencies,” the MPBL said. “Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners, and the public.” “The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball.” – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading