Caloocan caught fire from beyond the arc and overwhelmed Sarangani, 113-83, on Friday to extend its winning streak in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.
Powered by Jeff Manday, the Batang Kankaloo knocked down 19 of their 41 three-point attempts and led by as many as 39 points, 107-68, before cruising to their fourth straight victory. The win improved Caloocan to 17-2 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 26-team tournament.
Manday, a standout recruit from Bacolod City, erupted for 30 points, tying his season-high with 10 three-pointers while adding four rebounds and two assists in just 17 minutes and 23 seconds of action.
The 6-foot combo guard received ample support from homegrown talents Irven Palencia, who finished with 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists, and Joseph Manlangit, who added 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Jeramer Cabanag also chipped in 11 points and two rebounds.
“I’ve been doing this (shooting 3s) in practice,” said Manday. “It’s part of my preparations every day.”
Sarangani slipped to 4-17 despite 18 points from Leland Estacio, 14 points, eight rebounds, and two steals from Danny Marilao, 12 points, three assists, and two rebounds from Migs Pascual, and 11 points, seven assists, and two steals from Alex Desoyo.
Earlier, Bataan outgunned Manila Batang Quiapo, 110-97, to notch its third consecutive victory.
The Risers improved to 9-11, moving closer to Quezon City (9-10), Meycauayan-Marilao (10-9), and Pasig (9-9) in the race for North Division playoff spots.
Tutoy Ramirez led five Bataan players in double figures with 16 points, while veteran Chito Jaime earned Best Player honors after tallying 12 points, including two three-pointers, along with six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Migs Corteza contributed 15 points and three rebounds, homegrown Yves Sazon had 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Christian Balagasay added 10 points and four rebounds.
Manila dropped to 2-18 despite a brilliant effort from Alfred Sedillo, who exploded for 44 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. John Ashley Faa added 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Mark Doligon finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
In the nightcap, Valenzuela City Darkhorse defeated Bulacan, 87-80, to keep its North Division playoff hopes alive.
The victory lifted Valenzuela to 10-12, with JR Olegario leading the way with 24 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Lester Reyes added 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Jay Collado posted 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Angelo Obuyes chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.
Bulacan fell to 5-14 and is now in danger of missing even the play-in tournament for teams ranked seventh to 10th after the elimination round.
The tournament resumes on Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena with another triple-header, highlighted by the clash between streaking teams Abra Solid North and Binan Tatak Gel at 7 p.m.
Defending champion Abra has won 15 straight games to lead the North Division with a 17-1 record, while Binan enters on a 13-game winning streak and sits second in the South Division at 16-3.
Reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso, former Korean Basketball League campaigner Jake Figueroa, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Raven Gonzales will spearhead Abra, while Binan will rely on Nic Cabanero, Kenny Roger Rocacurva, and Carlo Lastimosa.
The day’s opening games will feature Negros against Ilagan Isabela at 3 p.m., followed by Meycauayan-Marilao taking on Parañaque at 5 p.m.
