The Batangas City Tanduay Athletics turned on the jets in the closing minutes to defeat the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers, 76-66, on Friday and strengthen their hold on the top spot in the South Division of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Batangas extended its winning streak to 13 games and improved to 15-2, staying ahead of Quezon Province (13-2) and Biñan (15-3), which defeated Ilagan Isabela, 90-69, in the opener of the triple-header.
In the second game, Caloocan cruised past Basilan, 103-71, to improve to 17-2 and tighten its grip on third place in the North Division behind Abra Solid North (16-1) and San Juan (15-1).
Holding a slim 63-58 advantage, the Athletics pulled away with a decisive 12-2 run sparked by Ino Comboy, stretching the lead to 75-60 with 3:27 remaining.
The former Far Eastern University standout erupted for a season-high 25 points, including six three-pointers, while adding 10 rebounds and four assists.
“I couldn’t have done this without the trust of my teammates and my coaches,” said Comboy.
Jhan Nermal added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Abdul Sawat contributed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Rhinwill Yambing chipped in seven points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Rizal slipped to 11-7 despite Jolo Mendoza’s 14 points, highlighted by four triples. AJ Coronel finished with nine points and five rebounds, while Billy Robles posted eight points and 10 rebounds.
Caloocan took control midway through the fourth quarter, using its balanced attack and dominance on the boards to build a commanding 90-68 lead. Thirteen Batang Kankaloo players found the scoring column in the victory.
Jammer Jamito led Caloocan with 15 points and six rebounds. Kymani Ladi added 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Rommel Calahat also scored 12 points to go with four rebounds and two assists. Kean Baclaan tallied 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds, and Jeff Manday contributed 11 points and two rebounds.
Basilan dropped to 9-11 despite John Wilson’s 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Mark Montuano added 11 points and two rebounds, while Gab Cometa finished with 10 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.
(C) MPBL
Powered by Nic Cabanero, Carlo Lastimosa, and Renzo Subido, Biñan outscored Ilagan Isabela 54-25 in the second half to notch its 12th straight victory and improve to 15-3.
Cabanero, a former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers star, led the way with 22 points, three assists, and three steals. Subido contributed 15 points, including two three-pointers, while Lastimosa added 13.
Known primarily as a slasher and interior scorer, Cabanero knocked down four of his five attempts from beyond the arc.
“They want me to develop my shooting and not rely solely on my drives,” Cabanero said.
Michael Mabulac also made his presence felt with 12 points and eight rebounds as Biñan dominated the glass, 43-28, and outscored Ilagan Isabela 54-26 in the paint.
Biñan trailed 44-36 at halftime after Ilagan Isabela closed the second quarter with a 9-0 run, including five points from MJ Ayaay. However, the Heroes took control after the break and never looked back.
The Cowboys fell to 12-7 despite Allen Mina’s 14 points and two rebounds. Arth Dela Cruz added 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Robby Celiz contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
The tournament resumes on Saturday at the Orion Sports Complex with Pasig taking on Cebu at 3 p.m., Imus facing Marikina at 5 p.m., and Negros battling host Bataan at 7 p.m.
