Carrying the momentum from their first win to close out the first round, Caloocan looks to build on that breakthrough and go for back-to-back victories against a slumping Pasig in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Victoria Sports Tower Basketball Court on Wednesday.
After dropping their first four games of the tournament, the Lady Kankaloo finally found their rhythm and much-needed lift when they took down the Queenpin, 77-71, to snap their skid last May 13.
They now aim to build on that breakthrough and complete a season-series sweep over Pasig, looking to string together consecutive wins and improve their 1-4 record as they open the double-header at 4 p.m. in the tourney backed by Aktive.
Caloocan head coach JP Bernal is expected to stick to what worked in their previous win, banking on the same defensive discipline and timely execution that finally put the Lady Kankaloo in the win column.
“Siguro stick lang kami kung ano ‘yung nag-work. Kung ano ‘yung gumagana na play, kung ano ‘yung gumagana na players, stick lang siguro tayo dun. Basta maging open kami, lalo ‘yung mga players,” Bernal said.
What worked for Caloocan in that breakthrough win was their balanced offensive effort, with Sofia Felisarta, Janine Pontejos, and Rejoice Adlawan each finishing with 15 points to power the Lady Kankaloo past the Queenpin. Bernal is hoping for a similar performance as they try to sustain their form.
(C) WMPBL
Pasig, meanwhile, enters the matchup equally determined, desperate to snap a four-game losing streak and finally get back on track after a difficult stretch that has tested their resilience and execution throughout the tournament.
The Queenpin, now holding a 1-5 record, are coming off an 82-74 loss to RK Hoops–Quezon City 10ACT, a setback they are eager to quickly put behind them as they try to regain their footing in the tournament.
The loss, however, still produced a few bright spots for Pasig, most notably LJ Miranda, who delivered 32 points and 12 rebounds in a standout effort. The Queenpin will be leaning on Miranda once again, with support from Gabi Bade and Lee Sario.
In the nightcap, the Sparks (4-1) take on RK Hoops–Quezon City (2-4), with Akari-Rizal having dominated their first-round meeting, 84-51.
However, the Quezon City-based squad enters the rematch with renewed confidence after pulling off a statement win over Pasig, giving them a much-needed momentum boost heading into the matchup.
For the Sparks, Raiza Palmera-Dy, Allana Lim, and Mar Prado are expected to spearhead the attack once again, while RK Hoops–Quezon City 10ACT will lean on Tantoy Ferrer to anchor their bid for another upset.
