Caloocan widened its lead in the North Division standings, while Cebu and Ilagan Isabela continued their surge in the MPBL 2026 Season on Tuesday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo cruised past Manila Batang Quiapo, 130-91, in the opener to improve to 14-1 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.
In the second game, the Cebu Greats survived a tough challenge from the Bulacan Kuyas, pulling out an 85-80 overtime victory.
The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys then capped the triple-header by overpowering the Parañaque Patriots, 104-79.
Wowie Escosio scored six of Cebu’s nine points in overtime, while Ice Hontiveros added the final basket to secure the Greats’ fourth straight victory and improve their record to 11-3.
Escosio finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors. He edged teammates Alfrancis Tamsi, who posted 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, and Dhon Reverente, who contributed 11 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists.
Also stepping up for Cebu were Mark Meneses with eight points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks; Simon Camacho with six points and 10 rebounds; and Hontiveros with seven points and six rebounds.
The Greats had a chance to win in regulation, but Alvin Baetiong missed two close-range attempts in the final 3.5 seconds, allowing Bulacan to force overtime at 76-all.
Bulacan, which dropped to 4-9, was led by Jeremy Cruz with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Joshua Moralejo added 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Airohn Acop also scored 16 points along with three assists.
Caloocan, meanwhile, showcased its depth as 14 players scored at least two points. The Batang Kankaloo built a lead that reached 108-58 en route to pulling further ahead of fellow North Division contenders Abra Solid North (11-1) and San Juan (10-1).
Jeramer Cabanag led the way with 20 points, including a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, along with five rebounds and four assists. He earned Best Player of the Game honors over Jammer Jamito, who tallied 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Other key contributors for Caloocan included Rommel Calahat with 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists; Kymani Ladi with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists; Joseph Manlangit with 11 points and five rebounds; and Jeff Manday with 10 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Manila slipped to 2-12 despite the efforts of John Ashley Faa, who recorded 25 points, seven assists, and two rebounds. Jo Gomez de Liaño added 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Jan Baltazar chipped in 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
In the nightcap, Ilagan Isabela dominated from start to finish, stretching its lead to as much as 31 points before securing its fourth consecutive win and improving to 9-5.
JP Cauilan paced the Cowboys with 17 points, while Arth Dela Cruz added 14. Don Gumaru, Allen Mina, and Gabe Capacio contributed nine points apiece.
Parañaque fell to 1-15, with Marlon Monte providing the lone bright spot after finishing with 27 points and six rebounds.
The tournament resumes Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, where Bataan will face Quezon City at 4 p.m., followed by Rizal against Negros at 6 p.m.
