Mindoro showcased its growing strength by handing Binan Tatak Gel a 79-65 defeat in Wednesday’s nightcap, spoiling prized rookie Nic Cabanero’s much-anticipated debut, at the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational held at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The Tamaraws, powered by homegrown talents JC Recto, Jon Ivan Cudiamat, and JJ Caspe, alongside recruit Enzo Joson and mainstays Marion Magat and RJ Ramirez, pulled away decisively, 72-49, midway through the fourth quarter before coasting to victory.
Recto, a former Mapua Cardinal, led Mindoro with 14 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal, while Magat added 11 points and 9 boards.
Cudiamat contributed 8 points, and Caspe, Joson, and Ramirez chipped in 7 points apiece.
The Tamaraws shot efficiently, converting 33 of 55 attempts—a 50-percent clip—compared to Binan’s 31.2 percent (24 of 77).
For Binan, Cabanero led the charge with 14 points and 3 rebounds, while acquisition Mike Mabulac added 11 points and 9 boards.
Kristan Hernandez recorded a double-double with 6 points and 10 rebounds, and Jaymark Mallari contributed 6 points, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds in the loss.
In earlier games, the Abra Solid North Weavers used their size advantage to subdue the Bataan Risers, 81-69, capturing the solo lead in Group A.
Twin towers Drex Delos Reyes (6-foot-8) and Raven Gonzales (6-foot-7) dominated the paint, supported by veteran Nico Elorde’s playmaking.
Delos Reyes earned best player honors with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block, edging reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso, who finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Abra built a commanding 47-22 halftime lead and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the debuting Quezon City Black Bulls narrowly defeated the Sarangani 10ACT Marlins, 78-74.
Kenz Diokno proved clutch, sinking a crucial triple and two free throws in the final 1:32 to seal the win.
Diokno finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal to claim best player honors over Clark Derige, who tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Sarangani fell to 0-2 despite Lars Sunga’s 20-point, 13-rebound, 4-assist, 3-steal performance.
Bataan also dropped to 0-2 as Robbi Darang led the team with 14 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds.
Alfred Flores added 9 points and 4 assists, while Carl Bringas contributed 8 points and 11 boards.
The Preseason Invitational moves to Paco Arena in Manila on Thursday, with games featuring the Junior MPBL D-League selection against Muntinlupa at 3 p.m., Marikina versus Quezon Province at 5 p.m., and Pasay facing Ilagan Isabela at 7 p.m.
