Caloocan subdued Marikina, 84-71, on Friday to seize the solo lead in the MPBL 2026 season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Batang Kankaloo, led by Eric Camson, pulled away to a 78-56 advantage before cruising to their fifth straight win. The victory pushed them ahead of Gensan (4-0) in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.
Camson finished with 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Caloocan. He drew strong support from Kymani Ladi, who tallied 19 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks; Kean Baclaan, who added 11 points, six assists, and three rebounds; and Dom Escobar, who chipped in 10 points and six boards.
Using their size advantage, the Batang Kankaloo dominated the rebounding battle, 45-32, which translated into a 38-26 edge in points in the paint.
Marikina slipped to 2-3 despite a 20-point, seven-rebound, and three-assist effort from Louie Vigil. Jeff Javillonar contributed 14 points and three assists, while RR Casajeros had 13 points, four assists, and two rebounds.
In the nightcap, Biñan Tatak Gel silenced Basilan Steel in the final 3:10 to complete a come-from-behind 80-70 win.
The game was tied at 70-all before Kenny Roger Rocacurva sparked a decisive 10-0 closing run, completing a three-point play and adding a driving basket.
Basilan had earlier surged to a 27-13 lead, but Biñan responded with a 13-0 burst to grab a 51-49 edge and seize control.
Carlo Lastimosa led Biñan with 16 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Rocacurva added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three assists, while Nic Cabanero and Pamboy Raymundo chipped in 11 points each.
Basilan, which fell to 2-3, was paced by John Byron Villarias and Gab Cometa with 13 points apiece. John Wilson contributed 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
The league resumes on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, with defending champion Abra Solid North facing San Juan at 8 p.m. Other matchups feature Parañaque against Mindoro at 4 p.m. and Cebu taking on Bataan at 6 p.m.
