Caloocan is counting on its strengthened lineup to challenge San Juan in an anticipated rematch of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2026 Preseason Invitational semifinals on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre.
The Batang Kankaloo will lean heavily on ex-De La Salle guard Kean Baclaan, who gets significant help from former Ateneo stars Dom Escobar and Kymani Ladi.
The 6-foot-8 Ladi and 6-foot-5 Escobar bring size and versatility that Caloocan hopes will be enough to overturn their earlier 68–59 loss to San Juan in Group B play.
San Juan, however, remains a formidable opponent with a core led by Orlan Wamar and AC Soberano, and reinforced by the “Maroon 4” — former University of the Philippines standouts Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres — alongside former Perpetual Help forward Patrick Sleat.
The Knights are determined to keep their winning streak alive in the 7 p.m. clash.
Earlier in the day at 5 p.m., Batangas faces Mindoro after a dominant 88–58 win in their first Group A encounter.
While the Tamaraws are favored, Mindoro comes in with momentum, having won its last three elimination games to secure the final playoff slot.
Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters will rely on newcomers Ino Comboy, Jhan Nermal, Rhinwill Yambing, Abdul Sawat, and Kraniel Viloria, supported by veterans Cedrick Ablaza and Jeckster Apinan, while Mindoro will counter with homegrown talents Jayjay Caspe, JC Recto, and Jake Agoncillo, and seasoned players Bam Gamalinda, Marion Magat, Joseph Sedurifa, and Jonas Tibayan.
The winners will advance to the crossover finals on March 19, with San Juan or Caloocan facing Quezon Province, and the victor of Batangas–Mindoro meeting Abra.
