Reinforced Caloocan thwarted Muntinlupa, 74-66, in the nightcap on Saturday to join Abra Solid North and Batangas Tanduay atop the early standings of the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The Weavers cruised to a 102-88 victory over the Sarangani 10ACT Marlins in the opener, while the Rum Masters followed with a 77-60 win over the Bataan Risers.
Bolstered by seasoned veterans Rob Celiz and Eric Camson, sharpshooter Jielo Razon, and highly touted rookie Kean Baclaan, the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo pulled away with a 12-point run to lead 66-53 midway through the fourth quarter.
Celiz, a four-time MPBL All-Star, led the way with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal to earn best player honors over mainstay Chris Bitoon, who finished with 11 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Rommel Calahat added 9 points, while Baclaan, a former De La Salle standout, made his pro debut count with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, catching fire in the second half.
Camson, former Rizal Province star Jammer Jamito, and Razon chipped in 8 points each for the Batang Kankaloo, widely regarded as strong contenders for the 2026 MPBL Eighth Season.
The Muntinlupa Cagers, who led for nearly 12 minutes, were paced by Shawn Argente with 13 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds; Felix Apreku with 8 points; and MJ Dela Virgen and Gamaliel Evangelista with 6 points each.
For Batangas, new high-flyer Rhinwill Yambing, facing his former team, scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, earning best player honors over fellow recruit Jhan Nermal, who posted 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 assists.
Cedric Ablaza added 8 points, while acquisitions Wendelino Comboy and Kraniel Viloria contributed 6 and 3 points, respectively.
The Abra Weavers, flashing the form that led them to the MPBL Seventh Season title, pulled away 71-40 midway through the third quarter before easing up and rotating in their role players.
Encho Serrano fired a game-high 24 points in just 14 minutes and 34 seconds, leading six Weavers in double figures.
Homegrown Will Keane Lee, filling the backcourt void left by 2025 Finals MVP Jason Brickman, added 12 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds, while Harley Baldo contributed 11.
Reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists; homegrown Redel Fabro had 10 points and 3 assists; and 6-foot-8 rookie Drex Delos Reyes finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds.
With Delos Reyes and fellow 6-foot-8 Rookie of the Year Raven Gonzales controlling the boards, the Weavers dominated the glass 43-36, translating to 54 points in the paint compared to Sarangani’s 38.
The Marlins were led by Coy Alves with 18 points and 6 rebounds, Lars Sunga with 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, Danny Marilao with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, Tzaddy Rangel with 10 points and 4 rebounds, and Yvan Ludovice with 6 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Serrano’s 19 first-half points, paired with Gonzales’ 9, helped the Weavers surge to a 50-30 lead at halftime and maintain control for the rest of the game.
The 18-team Preseason continues at the same venue on Tuesday, with Quezon Province facing the Junior MPBL D-League Selection at 3 p.m., followed by San Juan taking on Marikina at 5 p.m.
