Kymani Ladi and Caloocan opened their 2026 MPBL season in dominant fashion, thrilling their home fans with an 89–63 rout of Quezon City on Friday.
Ladi, who played a one-and-done season with Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 88, tallied 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting, along with 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Meanwhile, Biñan Tatak Gel dropped its home opener at Alonte Sports Arena, suffering a 67–71 loss to General Santos, spoiling the debut of Nic Cabanero.
Supporting Ladi in the wire-to-wire victory was Jeff Manday, who also finished with 14 points, knocking down three triples while adding eight rebounds and five assists.
Chris Bitoon and Robby Celiz chipped in nine points each, while Ladi’s fellow “Big 3” members Kean Baclaan (3 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds) and Dom Escobar (6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals) saw limited minutes in the lopsided win for the Batang Kankaloo.
Cabanero struggled in his first outing, finishing with nine points on 3-of-7 shooting and five turnovers.
The Warriors were led by Kyle Tolentino with 16 points, while Kris Porter added 12 markers.
Hesed Gabo powered General Santos with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Kenny Rogers Rocacurva was Biñan’s lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.
Pat Buena and Clark Derige led the Black Bulls with 19 and 13 points, respectively.
