Under the North vs. South format of the PBA All-Star Game, Solid North holds a 9-4 edge overall against Solid South.
CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — The North-South All-Stars rivalry takes center stage again in the 2026 PBA All-Star Game as the league brings back the traditional format on Sunday night, March 8.
Making its return for the first time since the 2019 showcase in Calasiao, Pangasinan, the North-South duel rekindles one of the All-Star Game’s most entertaining traditions.
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Historically, the North has had the upper hand, winning nine of the 13 meetings including the last five straight.
Coach Leo Austria’s Solid North squad once again looks stacked on paper heading into the 7:30 p.m. tip-off at the Candon City Arena here.
The North All-Stars parade a deep 13-man lineup led by high-flying big man Japeth Aguilar, Cjay Perez, and versatile guard Chris Newsome.
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They are joined by a mix of rising stars and established standouts such as Stephen Holt, Adrian Nocum, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Juan Gomez de Liaño, CJ Cansino, and Don Trollano.
The North will be without Calvin Abueva, who joins the festivities but will not see action due to injury, while Zavier Lucero also sits out with a knee issue and will be replaced by Gian Mamuyac.
Like Abueva, Lucero is also present here for the activities laid out by the league.
Coach Chot Reyes and the South All-Stars, meanwhile, head into the exhibition undermanned after several key players begged off.
Injuries have sidelined RR Pogoy, Scottie Thompson, and Jericho Cruz, leaving Reyes with just nine players available for the contest.
Despite the limited roster, the South will still feature a formidable core anchored by nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Joining him are a mix of dynamic guards and versatile forwards including RJ Abarrientos, Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick, JB Bahio, Santi Santillan, Alec Stockton, Rey Nambatac, and Caelan Tiongson.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]