San Juan and Batangas-Tanduay notched contrasting victories on Tuesday to join the pacesetters in the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Knights edged the Ilagan Isabela Warriors, 85-82, while the Rum Masters dominated the Gensan Warriors, 100-80, to raise their records to 3-0 in the two-group, 18-team event leading up to the MPBL Eighth Season.
Trailing 78-80 in the final stretch, the Knights, fueled by Gerry Abadiano and Michael Calisaan, outscored the Cowboys 7-2 to seal the win.
Abadiano finished with 14 points and 2 rebounds, while Calisaan added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Orlan Wamar contributed 11 points and 7 assists.
The Cowboys saw notable performances from Donald Gumaru (16 points), JL Delos Santos (15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists), Joseph Gabayni (12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals), and Arth Dela Cruz (11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks).
However, crucial mistakes in the closing moments — missed free throws by Gabriel Capacio, a missed undergoal by Dela Cruz, and an inbound error by Delos Santos — dashed their comeback hopes.
Batangas, powered by acquisitions Jhan Nermal and Wendelino Comboy, dominated the boards 44-22 and led by as much as 72-47 against Gensan.
Nermal tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists to earn best player honors, while Comboy posted 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Other key contributors included returnees Jeckster Apinan (12 points, 9 rebounds), Cedrick Ablaza (10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), and recruit Kraniel Viloria (10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals).
Gensan suffered its second consecutive loss, led by Nelo Santos (18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists), DJ Howe (10 points, 3 rebounds), and James Versoza (9 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists).
Caloocan Batang Kankaloo rebounded from a 66-59 loss to San Juan on February 14, holding Pasay to just three points in the final five minutes to win 71-63.
Eric Camson led the way with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, supported by Rommel Calahat (11 points, 6 rebounds), Kean Baclaan (10 points, 5 rebounds), and Jun Bonsubre (8 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists).
Pasay Voyagers, now 1-1, were led by rookie Steve Nash Enriquez (12 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals) and Cyril Gonzales (11 points, 3 rebounds).
The Preseason continues at the Paco Arena on Wednesday, featuring Zamboanga vs. Muntinlupa at 3:00 PM, Sarangani vs. Biñan at 5:00 PM, and Bataan vs. Mindoro at 7:00 PM.
