The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo unleashed a strong finishing kick to rout the Bataan Risers, 100-81, on Wednesday at the One Arena in Cainta, Rizal, further strengthening their hold on the North Division lead in the MPBL 2026 Season.
Bataan trimmed the deficit to 86-80, but Jeff Manday knocked down a crucial three-pointer to ignite a decisive 14-1 run that put the game out of reach. The victory improved Caloocan’s record to 13-1, widening its lead over reigning national champion Abra (10-1) and San Juan (9-1) in the elimination round of the 28-team tournament.
Dom Escobar spearheaded the Batang Kankaloo’s dominant performance with 22 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and two assists. He earned Best Player of the Game honors over Manday, who contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Also delivering for Caloocan were Jammer Jamito with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two assists; Chris Bitoon with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists; and Kymani Ladi, who scored 10 points, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk that stretched the lead to 83-72.
Jamito later punctuated the win with a one-handed slam that made it 95-80 with 1:36 remaining.
Bataan, which dropped to 5-8, was led by Hubert Cani’s 20 points, including five three-pointers, along with four rebounds and two assists. Alfred Flores added 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Tutoy Ramirez chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Chris Javier finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Flores gave Bataan a 20-18 edge at the end of the first quarter after sinking a triple. However, Caloocan seized control in the second period, with Harvey Pagsanjan scoring five straight points and Robbi Darang adding two free throws to help build a 46-35 halftime advantage.
In the second game, Rizal XentroMall built a sizable lead and held off Quezon City, 90-80, to improve to 7-6.
JP Maguliano paced the Rizal Golden Coolers with 19 points and nine rebounds, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Billy Robles provided solid support with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
The 6-foot-4 Maguliano also received contributions from Mark Yee, who had 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists; Jolo Mendoza, who added 11 points, two assists, and two rebounds; and AJ Coronel, who finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
Quezon City slipped to 7-6 despite 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists from Kobe Monje. Rey Publico chipped in 11 points and three rebounds in the losing effort.
The tournament resumes Thursday at the Batangas City Sports Complex, with San Juan facing Pasig at 4 p.m., Marikina taking on Quezon Province at 6 p.m., and Batangas battling Sarangani at 8 p.m.
