NCAA Season 101 Gets a Makeover: Mapua Unveils Bold, NBA-Inspired Format for Basketball and Volleyball
MANILA, Philippines — Get ready for a brand-new chapter in college sports drama—NCAA Season 101 is breaking away from tradition and introducing a bold new tournament format that promises more thrills, more surprises, and yes—more chances for comebacks.
Mapua University, the official host for the league’s 101st season, is shaking things up for both basketball and volleyball, borrowing elements from the NBA and U.S. NCAA to deliver an electrifying competition structure fans haven’t seen before.
New Format, New Fire
Instead of the usual round-robin and straight-to-semis format, the 10 NCAA member schools will be split into two groups based on a unique set of criteria. The top squads from each group will battle through two rounds of group play to determine rankings.
But here’s where it gets interesting: teams ranked fourth and fifth will clash in a play-in round, fighting tooth and nail for the final playoff spot. That means more suspense, more do-or-die action—and no one’s ever really out until the final buzzer.
From there, the playoffs will enter a crossover quarterfinals, played in a best-of-three series—a first for the league. Winners advance, while losers go home. Simple, savage, and superbly exciting.
“Kakaibang NCAA ang parating”
“We’re mixing things up,” said Melchor Divina, Mapua’s representative to the NCAA Management Committee. “Gagawa kami ng kakaibang tournament format, pinaghalo namin ‘yung NBA at US NCAA. May play-in, meron na ring quarterfinals—para exciting.”
He emphasized that this fresh setup gives every team a fighting chance, even those that may struggle early in the season. “Kahit nasa ilalim ka, may chance ka pa rin. We want students and fans to stay invested all season long.”
Opening Day Target: October 1
The much-anticipated season is tentatively slated to open on October 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, though Divina clarified the date is still being finalized. With weekday availability at the venue in question, the league is weighing whether to stick to its traditional weekend opener or explore the impact of a weekday tip-off.
All Eyes on Mapua
As NCAA Season 101 host, Mapua is not just offering court action—it’s delivering innovation. With the new format, every match could make or break a team’s season. No more coasting through the middle of the standings. It’s win-or-wait-till-next-year.
Basketball and volleyball just got a serious adrenaline boost, and if this format clicks, it could change how collegiate leagues in the Philippines approach sports altogether.
Get ready for the most unpredictable, pulse-pounding NCAA season yet.
History starts here. See you in October.