Caloocan strengthened its bid for the top spot in the 2026 MPBL season after defeating Cebu, 89-76, on Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Behind the all-around efforts of Jeff Manday, Jammer Jamito, and Kymani Ladi, the Batang Kankaloo pulled away early, building a commanding 49-26 lead en route to improving to 16-2 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 27-team tournament.
Caloocan remained behind defending champion Abra Solid North (14-1) and San Juan (14-1) in the North Division standings.
Manday, a 6-foot standout from Bacolod City, delivered a near triple-double with 15 points on three triples, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Jamito added 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while Ladi also scored 17 points, highlighted by four three-pointers, along with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
“We stayed composed even with the highly physical plays of the Greats on their home court,” said Manday, who also played a key role in limiting Cebu’s perimeter attack.
Eric Camson contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while Dom Escobar chipped in seven points and two rebounds. Kean Baclaan added six points, seven assists, and four rebounds.
Cebu slipped to 14-5 and dropped to fifth in the South Division despite a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists from Mark Menses.
The Greats trail Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (14-2), Quezon Huskers (12-2), Gensan Warriors (14-3), and Biñan Tatak Gel (14-3), which erased an eight-point deficit in the final four minutes to stun Cebu, 78-77, last Thursday.
Earlier, Mindoro survived a late Zamboanga SiKat rally to escape with an 83-80 victory and boost its playoff hopes.
The Tamaraws appeared headed for a comfortable win after leading by as many as 26 points, 64-38, but had to withstand a furious fourth-quarter comeback to improve to 8-8.
Mindoro nearly let the game slip away after Brian Heruela missed three free throws and Joseph Sedurifa missed two more in the closing stretch, giving Zamboanga an opportunity to force overtime.
However, Levi Hernandez and Forthsky Padrigao both missed potential game-tying three-pointers against Mindoro’s defense, as neither team scored over the final 2:53.
Zamboanga stormed back from a 20-point deficit entering the fourth quarter behind Hernandez’s three triples, two more from Reggz Gabat, and another from Brandon Wilson.
Bambam Gamalinda led Mindoro with 14 points and eight rebounds, while RJ Ramirez posted 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Jayvee Dela Cruz added 13 points and three assists, Jayjay Caspe contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists, and Marion Magat chipped in 12 points and six rebounds.
Zamboanga fell to 6-11 despite 17 points apiece from Padrigao and Hernandez, 14 from Gabat, and 13 from Wilson.
“Grabe. I was so nervous. Fortunately, we won,” said Mindoro Tamaraws team owner Mayor Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz.
(C) MPBL
Following the Mindoro-Zamboanga game, the MPBL honored Cebuano basketball greats who have made significant contributions to Philippine basketball.
Leading the honorees was Ramon Fernandez, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest players, who received a plaque of recognition.
“I’d like to thank the MPBL through the leadership of Sen. Manny (Pacquiao) for recognizing the Cebuano legends,” said Fernandez, a four-time PBA Most Valuable Player. “Certainly, this is a big honor for me, especially because it is held in Cebu. This is the gym where I practically started my career.”
Also recognized were Bonel Balingit, Boy Cabahug, Peter Naron, Terry Albarillo, Bong Abad, Larry Villanil, Calvin Tuadles, Al Solis, Lowell Briones, Jojo Lim, Max Delantes, Willy Generalao, Titing Manalili Sr., Roger Yap, Junthy Valenzuela, Dondon Ampalayo, Manny Paner, Montoy Singson, Jojo Tangkay, and Reyns Yncierto.
In a video message, MPBL founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao thanked fans for their continued support of the league, congratulated the basketball legends who attended the ceremony, and acknowledged the Cebu Greats for hosting the four-game event, the first two of which were played at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.
Pacquiao also expressed hope that he would be able to attend the next set of MPBL games in Cebu.
Commissioner Emmer Oreta praised Cebuano players for their competitive spirit.
“Cebuano players have been known to be all-out and will do everything to win. We hope the legends will inspire the young players to play the same way,” Oreta said.
Operations head Zaldy Realubit added that more deserving Cebuano basketball figures will be recognized in future ceremonies.
The MPBL resumes on Monday at One Arena in Cainta, with Imus facing Valenzuela at 4 p.m., Abra Solid North taking on Bacolod at 6 p.m., and Marikina battling Ilagan Isabela at 8 p.m.
