SURGE - PINOYLIGA THE BIG DANCE 2026

This week's release of the Pinoyliga Collegiate Power Rankings reflected how important winning games are in affecting the standing of a team in the rankings. Known contenders continued their good play as we saw teams surging up after defeating quality-ranked teams. Others slipped a bit as they couldn't seem to get a lucky bounce, while some teams benefited from the inactivity of other squads.

STILL AT ONE

The University of Santo Tomas retained the top spot despite not playing this week. They were supposed to play the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles; however, the game was cancelled after the recent incident involving the Katipunan-based squad.

Despite this, UST holds a slight advantage, and they must be wary of the other teams breathing down their neck.

RISING UP

The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers have built a momentum that made heads turn. The Kalentong-based squad are now in the 2nd spot after another undefeated week. Led by Lawrence Mangubat, he Heavy Bombers defeated fellow NCAA teams Arellano Chiefs and EAC Generals to prove that they are one of the teams to beat.

BACK AT THREE

Defending UAAP Champions La Salle Green Archers had a good week, as they got wins against tough competitors. They edged FEU Tamaraws and Adamson Falcons. However, the question for the Green Archers is will they be able to continue the great play even if they don’t have a dominant foreign student athlete (FSA) or big man in the middle.

Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos played well this week, and both are expected to be called upon when DLSU needs someone to step up.

MAKING ITS MOVE

The San Beda Red Lions are on the prowl once again, as they went 3-0 this week against teams in the top 15 of the rankings, which can be good for a résumé.

Another good performance coupled with losses from teams above them may result in the Red Lions getting back to the top 3 of the polls.

NU DOWN TO 5TH

Despite finishing with a 1-win, 0-loss record, the NU Bulldogs slid to the 5th spot after a strong week from the Heavy Bombers, Green Archers, and Red Lions.

Basketball aficionados should not think that this slide is about NU losing its step but more about other teams winning big. Once NU gets more games to play and continue winning, expect them to move up once again.

RUMBLE JUMBLE INSIDE THE TOP TEN

By winning their two matches this week against Arellano Chiefs and LPU Pirates, the Letran Knights sent a strong message to the rest of the field: they are motivated, confident, and ready to take on any challenger. They are currently outside the Top 5 and expect some noise from them in the following weeks.

EAC Generals, meanwhile, stayed at the 7th spot as they finished with a 1-2 win-loss record. Those losses, however, were from teams in the top 5 , where they showed that they can be at par with the top teams.

Having one of the best resumes in collegiate basketball in the past 5 years, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ inactivity has stopped them from making any headway in the upper part of the Top 10. Expect this to change as the UP Fighting Maroons will soon be back in action, particularly in the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup Season 5, after their training in Canada.

The College of Saint Benilde Blazers had a challenging week as they finished with a losing record (1-2 win-loss). Unlike the previous year, the Blazers have shown chinks in their armor, but once they settle down, expect the Blazers to run wild and dominate.

The FEU Tamaraws, despite failing to win this week, are back in the top 10, as they showed that they can hang with the teams in the top 5, as they lost an average of just 4.5 points against NU and DLSU.

OUTSIDE THE TOP 10

Just like FEU, the Arellano Chiefs move up in the rankings as both of their losses are against highly ranked squads. The Chiefs also got a big help from other teams’ inactivity.

The Guang Ming Flying Dragons, meanwhile, are now in the 15th spot after securing a win against the Olivarez Sea Lions, proving that their program is on the right track with Coach Paul Ramos at the helm.

Coach Ralph Emerson Rivera and the OLFU Phoenix have also made their move after their convincing win over rivals St. Clare Saints as they quietly improved on their play.

The Mapua Cardinals also rose to the 17th spot as they nabbed an impressive victory against the Benilde Blazers and are now slowly getting their confidence back.

Bestlink College of the Philippines Kalasag has moved to the 26th spot after winning its first-ever collegiate basketball title in NCRAA. They were able to achieve it by snapping the three-year rule of the ICC Blue Hawks.

NEWBIES ON ALERT

This week, two programs from the BUCAL tournament made a splash and entered the rankings.

The Naga College Foundation Tigers (27th) and Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel Falcons (30th) are on top of the OBL Season 2: Battle of the Powerhouses, with the Tigers holding an advantage after their recent win against the Falcons. 

LASTLY

The trend of being active and producing quality wins has been the main source of strength in the teams' movements in this week’s ranking.

UST still holds the crown, but the pressure is high for them to retain it as the gap with the teams in the top 5 is getting smaller. A big win and momentum could affect next week’s placings.

The tough teams are now showing up, while others, who are not shifting gears in their play, are slowly slipping away. Things are getting exciting as pride and passion are now showing, and teams are ready to let it all out in the basketball court.

 (Covered Date: June 10-17,2026)

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