# 2020–21 MPBL playoffs

The 2020–21 MPBL playoffs, originally billed as the 2020 MPBL playoffs and also known as the MPBL Lakan Cup playoffs, was the postseason tournament of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League's 2019–20 season, the league's third overall, and the second under the 16-team format. The postseason tournament began on February 15, 2020 and concluded on March 21, 2021, after the fourth game of the 2021 MPBL finals. The league suspended all the playoffs due to the COVID-19 outbreak in March 12, 2020. After a year of stoppage of play, the league got an approval from the IATF-EID and resumed the playoffs on March 10, 2021, inside a bubble hosted by Subic.
The 2021 MPBL finals saw the Northern Division champions San Juan Knights competed against the Southern Division champion Davao Occidental Tigers. The Tigers eventually won the championship after beating the Knights in four games, avenging their last season's finals loss in 2019. Mark Yee was named the Finals MVP for that finals series.

## Overview
### Updates to playoff appearances

* The San Juan Knights entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season and clinched the best record in the league for the first time in team history.
* The Davao Occidental Tigers entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season and clinched the best record in the South Division for the second consecutive season.
* The Bataan Risers, Batangas City Athletics, and Bulacan Kuyas entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
* The Bacoor City Strikers, GenSan Warriors, Makati Super Crunch, Manila Stars, and Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
* The Basilan Steel, Bicol Volcanoes, Iloilo United Royals, Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Pasay Voyagers, and Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors entered the playoffs for the first time in team history.
* The Muntinlupa Cagers, Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines, and Quezon City Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since entering the league and making the playoffs since then.

### Division semifinals

* Davao Occidental beat Zamboanga in game 1 with a score of 47–28. At just 75 points, it is the least combined points scored by both teams in a single game.
** Zamboanga's 28 points is also least points scored by a team in a single game.
* After the first half, the score was 19–11, the 30 combined points is also the least combined points scored by both teams in a single half.

## Format

The top eight teams from each division advanced to the playoffs. Seeding was based on winning percentage, with tiebreaker rules applied should multiple teams have the same record. The single-elimination bracket consists of four rounds with no reseeding. The first three rounds were best-of-three series and the national finals was a best-of-five series.
During the first two rounds, two games within the same division were played in a gameday, with homecourt advantage alternating between the higher-seeded teams of each series. A traditional homecourt format was then used for the last two rounds, with the division finals using a 1-1-1 format and the national finals using a 2-2-1 format. The designated home team may not be able to play within its home locality. Should it occur, the gameday may take place elsewhere.

## Division standings

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | L | PCT | GB | Qualification |
| 1 | San Juan Knights | 30 | 26 | 4 | .867 | — | Playoffs |
| 2 | Manila Stars | 30 | 25 | 5 | .833 | 1 | Playoffs |
| 3 | Makati Super Crunch | 30 | 22 | 8 | .733 | 4 | Playoffs |
| 4 | Pampanga Giant Lanterns | 30 | 21 | 9 | .700 | 5 | Playoffs |
| 5 | Bataan Risers | 30 | 20 | 10 | .667 | 6 | Playoffs |
| 6 | Bulacan Kuyas | 30 | 19 | 11 | .633 | 7 | Playoffs |
| 7 | Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | 30 | 18 | 12 | .600 | 8 | Playoffs |
| 8 | Pasay Voyagers | 30 | 17 | 13 | .567 | 9 | Playoffs |
| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | L | PCT | GB | Qualification |
| 1 | Davao Occidental Tigers | 30 | 26 | 4 | .867 | — | Playoffs |
| 2 | Bacoor City Strikers | 30 | 24 | 6 | .800 | 2 | Playoffs |
| 3 | Basilan Steel | 30 | 20 | 10 | .667 | 6 | Playoffs |
| 4 | Batangas City Athletics | 30 | 19 | 11 | .633 | 7 | Playoffs |
| 5 | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 30 | 18 | 12 | .600 | 8 | Playoffs |
| 6 | Iloilo United Royals | 30 | 18 | 12 | .600 | 8 | Playoffs |
| 7 | GenSan Warriors | 30 | 18 | 12 | .600 | 8 | Playoffs |
| 8 | Bicol Volcanoes | 30 | 16 | 14 | .533 | 10 | Playoffs |

## Bracket

Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its division, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. Teams with home court advantage, the higher seeded team, are shown in italics.
| Division quarterfinals (best-of-3) | Division quarterfinals (best-of-3) | Division quarterfinals (best-of-3) | | | Division semifinals (best-of-3) | Division semifinals (best-of-3) | Division semifinals (best-of-3) | Division finals (best-of-3) | Division finals (best-of-3) | Division finals (best-of-3) | | National finals (best-of-5) | National finals (best-of-5) | National finals (best-of-5) |
| N1 | San Juan | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| N8 | Pasay | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| N8 | Pasay | 0 | | | N1 | San Juan | 2 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | N4 | Pampanga | 0 | | | | | | | |
| N4 | Pampanga | 2 | | | N4 | Pampanga | 0 | | | | | | | |
| N5 | Bataan | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| N5 | Bataan | 0 | | | | | | N1 | San Juan | 2 | | | | |
| North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | N1 | San Juan | 2 | | | | |
| North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | North Division | N3 | Makati | 1 | | | | |
| N2 | Manila | 2 | | | | | | | | | N3 | Makati | 1 | | | | |
| N7 | Pasig | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| N7 | Pasig | 0 | | | N2 | Manila | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | N3 | Makati | 2 | | | | | | | |
| N3 | Makati | 2 | | | N3 | Makati | 2 | | | | | | | |
| N6 | Bulacan | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| N6 | Bulacan | 0 | | | | | | | | | | N1 | San Juan | 1 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | S1 | Davao Occidental | 3 |
| S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | S1 | Davao Occidental | 3 |
| S8 | Bicol | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| S8 | Bicol | 1 | | | S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | S5 | Zamboanga | 0 | | | | | | | |
| S4 | Batangas City | 1 | | | S5 | Zamboanga | 0 | | | | | | | |
| S5 | Zamboanga | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| S5 | Zamboanga | 2 | | | | | | S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | | | | |
| South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | S1 | Davao Occidental | 2 | | | | |
| South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | South Division | S3 | Basilan | 1 | | | | |
| S2 | Bacoor City | 2 | | | | | | | | | S3 | Basilan | 1 | | | | |
| S7 | General Santos | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| S7 | General Santos | 0 | | | S2 | Bacoor City | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | S3 | Basilan | 2 | | | | | | | |
| S3 | Basilan | 2 | | | S3 | Basilan | 2 | | | | | | | |
| S6 | Iloilo | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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## First round
### Northern Division
#### (1) San Juan Knights vs. (8) Pasay Voyagers

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 15 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | 75–74 | Pasay Voyagers |
| Scoring by quarter: 13–24, 15–12, 25–24, 22–14 |||
| Pts: Mike Ayonayon 15 Rebs: Rodriguez, Jhonard Clarito 9 each Asts: CJ Isit, Mike Ayonayon 5 each | | Pts: Axel Inigo 24 Rebs: Dhon Reverente 11 Asts: Gio Lasquety 4 |
* Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan Referees: E. Villarosa, J. Santiago, Jay Castroverde
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 20 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Pasay Voyagers | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 10–17, 12–15, 20–12, 25–30 |||
| Pts: Dhon Reverente 23 Rebs: Dhon Reverente 14 Asts: Axel Inigo 7 | Pts: Wilson 17 Rebs: Wilson 16 Asts: CJ Isit 4 |
| San Juan wins series, 2–0 |||
* Angeles University Foundation Gym, Angeles City Referees: Julius Tiquio, Jay Castroverde, Rommel Alcoran
This is the first playoff meeting between the Knights and the Voyagers.

#### (2) Manila Stars vs. (7) Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 18 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Manila Stars | 91–88 | Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors |
| Scoring by quarter: 19–26, 35–24, 18–18, 19–20 |||
| Pts: Lastimosa 23 Rebs: Hayes and Chris Bitoon 6 each Asts: Chris Bitoon 6 | | Pts: Teng 30 Rebs: Gotladera 8 Asts: Teng 5 |
* San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila Referees: Emilio Trangia, J. Santiago, Jay Castroverde
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 22 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors | Manila Stars |
| Scoring by quarter: 22–14, 20–18, 22–30, 18–18 |||
| Pts: Teng 25 Rebs: Nimes 10 Asts: Nimes 4 | Pts: Lastimosa 21 Rebs: Dyke 10 Asts: Bitoon 6 |
| Manila wins series, 2–0 |||
* Malolos Sports and Convention Center, Malolos City, Bulacan
This is the first playoff meeting between the Stars and the Realtors.

#### (3) Makati Super Crunch vs. (6) Bulacan Kuyas

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 18 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Makati Super Crunch | Bulacan Kuyas |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–24, 22–20, 25–22, 32–22 |||
| Pts: Baloria 20 Rebs: Lingganay 10 Asts: Lingganay 9 | Pts: Jovit Dela Cruz and Jess Diputado 17 each Rebs: Jhan Nermal and JR Taganas 9 each Asts: Alvarez and JR Taganas 5 each |
| Makati leads series, 1–0 |||
* San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila Referees: Julius Tiquio, Carol Guay, Michael Quinay
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 22 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Bulacan Kuyas | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 22–25, 19–14, 24–20, 21–19 |||
| Pts: S. Siruma 16 Rebs: J. dela Cruz 12 Asts: J. Alabanza 11 | Pts: C. Ablaza 22 Rebs: J. Sedurifa 13 Asts: J. Apinan 7 |
| Makati wins series, 2–0 |||
* Malolos Sports and Convention Center, Malolos City, Bulacan
This is the first playoff meeting between the Kuyas and the Super Crunch.

#### (4) Pampanga Giant Lanterns vs. (5) Bataan Risers

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 15 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Pampanga Giant Lanterns | Bataan Risers |
| Scoring by quarter: 25–8, 23–15, 8–17, 17–22 |||
| Pts: Levi Hernandez 18 Rebs: Felix Apreku 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 6 | Pts: Alfred Batino 19 Rebs: Alfred Batino 10 Asts: Gino Jumao-as 4 |
| Pampanga leads series, 1–0 |||
* Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 20 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Bataan Risers | Pampanga Giant Lanterns |
| Scoring by quarter: 13–23, 12–24, 29–21, 19–22 |||
| Pts: Reed Juntilla 22 Rebs: Alfred Batino 6 Asts: Jerome Ortega 5 | Pts: Dexter Maiquez 19 Rebs: Larry Muyang 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 9 |
| Pampanga wins series, 2–0 |||
* Angeles University Foundation Gym, Angeles City
This is the first playoff meeting between the Giant Lanterns and the Risers.

### Southern Division
#### (1) Davao Occidental Tigers vs. (8) Bicol Volcanoes

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 17 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 77–71 | Bicol Volcanoes |
| Scoring by quarter: 14–20, 13–16, 28–17, 22–18 |||
| Pts: Yee 20 Rebs: Yee 12 Asts: Three players 4 each | | Pts: Jerome Garcia 15 Rebs: Jolas Guerrero 6 Asts: Alwyn Alday 5 |
* Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City Referees: J. Ocfemia, J. Castroverde, H. Benjo Estroga
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 21 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Bicol Volcanoes | 84–81 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 21–16, 13–25, 20–22, 30–18 |||
| Pts: Alwin Alday 18 Rebs: Jerome Garcia 18 Asts: Ronjay Buenafe 14 | | Pts: Emanuel Calo 15 Rebs: Emanuel Calo 10 Asts: Bonbon Custodio 5 |
* Batangas State University Gym, Batangas City
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 26 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Davao Occidental Tigers | Bicol Volcanoes |
| Scoring by quarter: 11–9, 15–15, 16–19, 14–13, Overtime: 8–0 |||
| Pts: Bonbon Custodio 14 Rebs: Jerwin Gaco 8 Asts: Emanuel Calo 4 | Pts: Jefferson Ongteco 16 Rebs: Alwin Alday 9 Asts: Ronjay Buenafe 2 |
| Davao Occidental wins series, 2–1 |||
* Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
This is the first playoff meeting between the Tigers and the Volcanoes.

#### (2) Bacoor City Strikers vs. (7) GenSan Warriors

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 19 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Bacoor City Strikers | 95–72 | GenSan Warriors |
| Scoring by quarter: 24–9, 21–17, 24–28, 26–18 |||
| Pts: Gabriel Banal 20 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 12 Asts: Gabriel Banal 11 | | Pts: Celiz 17 Rebs: Raymundo 9 Asts: Mike Williams 8 |
* Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite Referees: G. Gabriel, M. Quinay, B. Estroga
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 24 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| GenSan Warriors | Bacoor City Strikers |
| Scoring by quarter: 17–16, 16–17, 24–19, 12–8 |||
| Pts: Robby Celiz 22 Rebs: Daryl Goloran 10 Asts: Mikey Williams 5 | Pts: Chris Sumalinog 16 Rebs: Gabriel Banal 7 Asts: RJ Ramirez 7 |
| Bacoor wins series, 2–0 |||
* Lamitan Capitol Gym, Lamitan City, Basilan
Head-to-head matchup :
S+A LIGA iWant
January 20 8:30 pm
Boxscore
Bacoor City Strikers
87–75
GenSan Warriors
Scoring by quarter: 16–18, 22–7, 19–29, 30–21
Pts: Michael Mabulac 17 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 10 Asts: Gabriel Banal 11
Pts: Mikey Williams 17 Rebs: Robby Celiz 9 Asts: Pamboy Raymundo 8
Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite :
This is the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Strikers winning the first one.
Bacoor leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series :
2019
Bacoor City Strikers 2, GenSan Warriors 0
2019 Southern Division First Round :

#### (3) Basilan Steel vs. (6) Iloilo United Royals

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 19 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Basilan Steel | 83–68 | Iloilo United Royals |
| Scoring by quarter: 22–10, 20–26, 19–17, 22–15 |||
| Pts: Jerald Bautista 21 Rebs: Cris Dumapig 9 Asts: Hesed Gabo 5 | | Pts: JR Parker 11 Rebs: Rey Publico 6 Asts: JR Parker 3 |
* Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite Referees: J. Belnas, S. Pingol, A. Manzano
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 24 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Iloilo United Royals | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 24–18, 12–17, 18–15, 16–13 |||
| Pts: Alfrancis Tamsi 16 Rebs: Richard Escoto 8 Asts: Aaron Jeruta 4 | Pts: Jay Collado 18 Rebs: Cris Dumapig 11 Asts: Hesed Gabo 4 |
| Basilan wins series, 2–0 |||
* Lamitan Capitol Gym, Lamitan City, Basilan
This is the first playoff meeting between the Steel and United Royals.

#### (4) Batangas City Athletics vs. (5) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines

* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 17 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Batangas City Athletics | 74–78 | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines |
| Scoring by quarter: 25–22, 7–18, 22–17, 20–21 |||
| Pts: Jeff Viernes 18 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 9 Asts: Jeff Viernes 5 | | Pts: Alvin Pasaol 17 Rebs: Robin Roño 8 Asts: Raffy Reyes 6 |
* Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City Referees: Jonald Belnas, Julius Tiquio, S. Pingol
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 21 08:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | 75–84 | Batangas City Athletics |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–23, 21–10, 23–11, 22–31 |||
| Pts: Santi Santillan 23 Rebs: Santi Santillan 11 Asts: Harold Arboleda 5 | | Pts: Jhaymo Eguilos 17 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 11 Asts: Jeff Viernes 8 |
* Batangas State University Gym, Batangas City
* S+A LIGA iWant
* February 26 06:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Batangas City Athletics | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–17, 13–12, 22–14, 19–9 |||
| Pts: Jeff Viernes 13 Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 10 Asts: Jason Melano 3 | Pts: Harold Arboleda 15 Rebs: Harold Arboleda 9 Asts: Harold Arboleda 3 |
| Zamboanga wins series, 2–1 |||
* Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
This is the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Athletics winning the first one.
Batangas City leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series :
2019
Batangas City Athletics 2, Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines 1
2019 Southern Division semifinals :

## Division semifinals
### Northern Division
#### (1) San Juan Knights vs. (4) Pampanga Giant Lanterns

* LIGA iWant
* February 28 9:00 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | 86–84 | Pampanga Giant Lanterns |
| Scoring by quarter: 20–20, 30–23, 17–22, 19–19 |||
| Pts: John Wilson 21 Rebs: Larry Rodriguez 9 Asts: Larry Rodriguez 6 | | Pts: Michael Juico 18 Rebs: Larry Muyang 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 7 |
* Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 4 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Pampanga Giant Lanterns | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 25–26, 25–22, 14–21, 19–22 |||
| Pts: J. Maiquez 18 Rebs: J. Maiquez 11 Asts: Mark Cruz 8 | Pts: John Wilson 26 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 14 Asts: John Wilson 6 |
| San Juan wins series, 2–0 |||
* San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
This is the first playoff meeting between the Knights and Lanterns.

#### (2) Manila Stars vs. (3) Makati Super Crunch

* LIGA iWant
* February 28 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Manila Stars | 77–74 | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–10, 26–18, 18–24, 18–22 |||
| Pts: Carlo Lastimosa 25 Rebs: Mark Dyke 9 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 6 | | Pts: Jeckster Apinan 17 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 11 Asts: Joseph Sedurifa 6 |
* Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 4 9:00 pm
* Boxscore
| Makati Super Crunch | 75–59 | Manila Stars |
| Scoring by quarter: 19–8, 18–13, 10–20, 28–18 |||
| Pts: Joshua Torralba 23 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 17 Asts: Rudy Lingganay 4 | | Pts: Marvin Hayes 11 Rebs: Ronnie Matias 11 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 8 |
* San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 6 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Manila Stars | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–23, 21–10, 15–23, 11–13, Overtime: 11–8 |||
| Pts: Christopher Bitoon 16 Rebs: Mark Dyke 10 Asts: Christopher Bitoon 6 | Pts: Jhong Baloria 16 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 9 Asts: Jeckster Apinan 3 |
| Makati wins series, 2–1 |||
* San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila
This is the first playoff meeting between the Stars and the Super Crunch.

### Southern Division
#### (1) Davao Occidental Tigers vs. (5) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines

* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 2 9:00 pm
* Boxscore
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 47–28 | Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines |
| Scoring by quarter: 11–5, 8–6, 16–12, 12–5 |||
| Pts: Eman Calo 12 Rebs: Chester Saldua 12 Asts: Joseph Terso 4 | | Pts: Santi Santillan 8 Rebs: Santi Santillan 8 Asts: Harold Arboleda 1 |
* Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 5 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 14–11, 12–14, 15–19, 17–18 |||
| Pts: Robin Rono 15 Rebs: Harold Arboleda and Leonard Santillan 8 each Asts: Harold Arboleda 7 | Pts: J. Mocon 14 Rebs: Billy Ray Robles 8 Asts: Bonbon Custodio 4 |
| Davao Occidental wins series, 2–0 |||
* Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite
This is the first playoff meeting between the Tigers and the Valientes.

#### (2) Bacoor City Strikers vs. (3) Basilan Steel

* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 2 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Bacoor City Strikers | 63–77 | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 16–14, 19–12, 19–25, 23–12 |||
| Pts: Chris Sumalinog 10 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 8 Asts: Gabriel Banal 4 | | Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 22 Rebs: Arvie Bringas 14 Asts: Hessed Gabo 6 |
* Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium, Davao City
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 5 9:00 pm
* Boxscore
| Basilan Steel | 69–80 | Bacoor City Strikers |
| Scoring by quarter: 6–20, 15–23, 23–23, 14–25 |||
| Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 16 Rebs: Cris Dumapig 7 Asts: Irven Palencia 4 | | Pts: Ian Melencio 17 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 19 Asts: Eric Acuña 8 |
* Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 7 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Bacoor City Strikers | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 19–22, 22–13, 19–21, 24–20 |||
| Pts: Ian Melencio 22 Rebs: Michael Mabulac 13 Asts: Ian Melencio 4 | Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 35 Rebs: Jay Collado 15 Asts: Chris Dumapig 4 |
| Basilan wins series, 2–1 |||
* Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite
This is the first playoff meeting between the Steel and the Strikers.

## Division finals
### North Division finals
#### (1) San Juan Knights vs. (3) Makati Super Crunch

* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 9, 2020 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | 76–60 | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 24–11, 24–14, 18–16, 20–9 |||
| Pts: Jhonard Clarito 19 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 18 Asts: Jamil Gabawan 4 | | Pts: Cedrick Ablaza 11 Rebs: Joseph Sedurifa 7 Asts: Rudy Lingganay 3 |
* Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan Referees: Rommel Alcoran, H. Scott, Julius Tiquio
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 11, 2020 9:00 pm
* Boxscore
| Makati Super Crunch | 91–88 | San Juan Knights |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–18, 20–17, 24–19, 29–34 |||
| Pts: Jeckster Apinan 20 Rebs: Jeckster Apinan 12 Asts: Rudy Lingganay 7 | | Pts: John Wilson 21 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Orlan Wamar 3 |
* Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan Attendance: 0 (behind closed doors) Referees: Jovet Ocfemia, E. Avis, J. Francisco
* A2Z
* March 10, 2021 4:00 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | Makati Super Crunch |
| Scoring by quarter: 38–11, 26–6, 30–19, 37–18 |||
| Pts: John Wilson 22 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 13 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 11 | Pts: Edwin Asoro 21 Rebs: Carlos Jay Lloren 8 Asts: Mark Lester Sta. Maria 5 |
| San Juan wins series, 2–1 |||
* Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic Attendance: 0 (behind closed doors) Referees: J. Castroverde, E. Avis, R. Brila
Game 3 of the North Division finals was heavily affected in the San Juan Knights' favor as the Makati Super Crunch entered this game with only a five-man roster. Financial troubles amid the COVID-19 pandemic caused key players of the Makati side to not play for the team in the crucial do-or-die game.

### South Division finals
#### (1) Davao Occidental Tigers vs. (3) Basilan Steel

* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 9, 2020 8:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 72–74 | Basilan Steel |
| Scoring by quarter: 16–16, 20–20, 20–20, 16–18 |||
| Pts: Billy Ray Robles 15 Rebs: Chester Saldua and Billy Ray Robles 10 each Asts: Billy Ray Robles 5 | | Pts: Allyn Bulanadi 15 Rebs: Allyn Bulanadi 9 Asts: Hesed Gabo 12 |
* RDR Gymnasium, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
* S+A LIGA iWant
* March 11, 2020 6:30 pm
* Boxscore
| Basilan Steel | 76–81 | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–18, 21–19, 28–18, 17–21 |||
| Pts: Japs Bautista 24 Rebs: Jay Collado 8 Asts: Hesed Gabo 11 | | Pts: Eman Calo 17 Rebs: Eman Calo 8 Asts: Joseph Terso 4 |
* Lamitan Capitol Gym, Lamitan City, Basilan Referees: J. Castroverde, B. Estroga, E. Villaroza
* March 16, 2021
| Davao Occidental Tigers | 2–0 | Basilan Steel |
| Davao Occidental won Game 3 by default. |||
| Davao Occidental wins series, 2–1 |||
* Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
This game was originally going to be postponed after a player from the Basilan Steel tested positive from COVID-19. The league decided that should another member of the Basilan delegation test positive, the game would be defaulted and Davao Occidental would win the series and the division title. On March 16, the league announced that an additional two members of the Basilan delegation were also tested positive from the virus. As a result, the game, the series, and the division title were all awarded in favor of Davao Occidental by default. As per FIBA rules, the game was ruled as a 2–0 victory for Davao Occidental.

## 2021 MPBL finals: (N1) San Juan Knights vs. (S1) Davao Occidental Tigers

The San Juan Knights and the Davao Occidental Tigers competed in the MPBL finals to determine the third MPBL Champions. This was the first championship series to be held entirely inside a bubble, hosted by Subic. The series was a rematch of the last season's finals between both teams, with San Juan winning last year's championship in five games. The Tigers avenged their last season's finals loss against the Knights, defeating them in four games to win the title.
* A2Z Facebook
* March 17, 2021 4:00 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–15, 15–15, 19–13, 19–25, Overtime: 7–9 |||
| Pts: Mike Ayonayon 27 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 5 | Pts: Emman Calo, Mark Yee 15 each Rebs: Billy Ray Robles 11 Asts: Billy Ray Robles 4 |
| Davao Occiental leads series, 1–0 |||
* Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic Referees: J. Castroverde, E. Avis, R. Brila
* A2Z Facebook
* March 18, 2021 4:00 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 15–15, 23–22, 14–13, 18–15 |||
| Pts: John Wilson 17 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 9 | Pts: Emman Calo 26 Rebs: Mark Yee, Billy Ray Robles 10 each Asts: Mark Yee, Yvan Ludovice 3 each |
| Series tied, 1–1 |||
* Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic Referees: B. Estroga, R. Brila, G. Villanueva
* A2Z Facebook
* March 20, 2021 3:00 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 14–15, 13–26, 15–11, 16–14 |||
| Pts: Mike Ayonayon 16 Rebs: John Wilson 9 Asts: Mike Ayonayon 3 | Pts: Billy Ray Robles 13 Rebs: Mark Yee 11 Asts: Yvan Ludovice, Bonbon Custodio 3 each |
| Davao Occidental leads series, 2–1 |||
* Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
* A2Z Facebook
* March 21, 2021 4:00 pm
* Boxscore
| San Juan Knights | Davao Occidental Tigers |
| Scoring by quarter: 18–24, 13–16, 29–16, 20–24, Overtime: 8–9 |||
| Pts: Larry Rodriguez 19 Rebs: Jhonard Clarito 11 Asts: Carlos Isit Jr. 10 | Pts: Emman Calo 22 Rebs: Mark Yee 12 Asts: Billy Ray Robles 6 |
| Davao Occidental wins series, 3–1 |||
* Subic Bay Gymnasium, Subic
This is the second finals meeting between the Knights and the Tigers, with the Knights winning the first one.
San Juan leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series :
2019
San Juan Knights 3, Davao Occidental Tigers 2
2019 MPBL finals :

## Broadcast notes

As part of the broadcast deal, ABS-CBN held the broadcast rights for the entire playoff series. Prior to the suspension, all games were split between the network's sports channels, S+A and Liga. During the midst of the suspension, ABS-CBN's franchise expired, thus all post-suspension games were aired on A2Z, formed via a blocktime agreement with ZOE Broadcasting Network.