MPBL Season 5 unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — Newcomers Quezon Huskers and Negros Muscovados square off today at the start  of the OKBet-MPBL Fifth Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

The Bataan Risers and the Rizal Golden Coolers open hostilities at 6 p.m. Coming up next is the Quezon-Negros tussle at 8 p.m.

Bent on making ripples on their first year in the country’s biggest regional league, the Huskers will field a strong roster led by reigning NCAA MVP Will Gozum, Jeric Teng and Mark Pangilinan.

The Muscovados hope to draw power from Paolo Javelona and Jason Melano as they debut in the 30-team league founded by boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao.

Bataan has also strengthened its lineup with the acquisition of Yves Sazon and Jamil Gabawan.