In a league that thrives on tradition and familiar names, the newest team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) — Titan Ultra — showed they’re not just here to blend in. They’re here to compete, and they made that crystal clear in their debut against the Meralco Bolts.

For a first game, this wasn’t just about showing up — it was about setting the tone, and Titan Ultra did exactly that with a thrilling 100–96 victory.

Titan Ultra officially entered the league after taking over the NorthPort franchise, bringing fresh branding and a new chapter to the PBA just in time for its 50th season. The team may be new in name, but it features a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talents.

Guided by head coach Johnedel Cardel, the squad is anchored by passionate veteran Calvin Abueva and dynamic wing Joshua Munzon, with solid contributions expected from young guns like Chris Koon, Fran Yu, and Cade Flores.

While they came into the season with plenty of questions surrounding their chemistry and potential, one thing was obvious in their first outing — they came to fight.

Taking on a Proven Team

Facing Meralco in their very first game wasn’t exactly the easiest introduction to the league. The Bolts are known for being a physical, well-coached, playoff-caliber team. For a debuting squad, this was a high-pressure test right out of the gate.

But Titan Ultra didn’t back down — they went headfirst into the challenge.

Calvin Abueva Leads the Charge

If there was one player who completely set the tone, it was Calvin “The Beast” Abueva. At 36, many wondered if he still had that explosive energy that once made him one of the most feared players in the league. On opening night, he silenced any doubters.

Abueva dropped a career-best 41 points, energizing the crowd and his teammates while dominating both ends of the floor. He attacked relentlessly, hit key buckets, and gave Titan the emotional spark they needed.

His monster performance especially stood out in the third quarter, where Titan pulled away with a strong 31–18 run that gave them breathing room going into the final period.

While Abueva was clearly the night’s star, he wasn’t alone in getting the job done.

Joshua Munzon contributed solid scoring and perimeter defense, Cade Flores added hustle plays and boards, and Fran Yu and Chris Koon made smart decisions and showed poise beyond their years. It was a complete team effort — the kind that builds belief inside a locker room.

Even when Meralco tried to rally late in the game, closing the gap to just a single point, Titan Ultra stayed composed. They hit clutch free throws, made key defensive stops, and held on for the win — an impressive show of toughness for a team still learning to play together.