The Quezon Huskers closed the game on a decisive 10-0 run to stun the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 72-67, on Saturday in the MPBL 2026 Season at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Trailing 62-67, the Huskers found their heroes in Judel Fuentes and Jolo Manansala, who fueled the late-game surge to secure Quezon’s 10th victory in 12 games. The win also moved the Huskers closer to the South Division leaders, the Gensan Warriors (14-2) and the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (12-2), in the 27-team tournament.
Manansala ignited the comeback with a driving layup before Fuentes knocked down a three-pointer and followed it up with a strong drive to the basket. Another Manansala layup gave Quezon the lead for good, 71-67.
Joshua Yerro sealed Caloocan’s second loss in 16 games by splitting his free throws with 8.5 seconds remaining.
The Batang Kankaloo appeared poised to pull away after Kean Baclaan drained a one-handed jumper and converted a driving layup to extend their lead to five, 67-62, with 6:14 left.
However, Caloocan failed to score the rest of the way as Eric Camson missed two free throws and a short attempt, while the rest of the team’s offense went cold.
Ced Manzano anchored Quezon with 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals while also limiting Kymani Ladi to just two points, seven rebounds, two assists, and four steals.
Fuentes finished with 14 points and six assists, while Cyrus Tabi added 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
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Camson led Caloocan with 13 points and four rebounds but struggled from the free-throw line, converting just four of his 11 attempts. Baclaan chipped in 10 points and five assists.
Earlier, the San Juan Knights seized control in the second quarter and never looked back, crushing the Sarangani 10ACT Marlins, 110-76.
Powered by Michael Calisaan, JP Boral, and Reyland Torres, the Knights erupted for 32 points in the second period to build a commanding 46-32 advantage and improve to 12-1.
Torres, a former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon, led San Juan with 17 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Calisaan added 15 points and eight rebounds, while former University of Perpetual Help-Dalta standout Boral contributed 14 points and six rebounds.
Calisaan earned Best Player of the Game honors as the Knights also drew solid contributions from Dexter Maiquez, who had 12 points and seven rebounds; Patrick Sleat, who posted 12 points and five rebounds; and Royce Alforque, who finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
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Behind Torres’ 12-point outburst, San Juan stretched its lead to as much as 104-68 before cruising to its 11th straight victory.
Sarangani, which dropped to 2-14, was led by Larce Sunga with 18 points and six rebounds. Carl Lacap added 14 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Migs Pascual contributed 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds.
In the second game, the Quezon City Black Bulls overwhelmed the Parañaque Patriots, 106-74, to improve to 7-8 and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Kobe Monje paced the Black Bulls with 21 points and six rebounds, while MJ Joson posted a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds along with two steals. Carmel Espinosa also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Parañaque fell to 1-17 despite Jomar Santos’ 28 points and 11 rebounds. Marlon Monte added 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while James Mangahas finished with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
The tournament resumes on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, with Negros facing Cebu at 4 p.m., Imus taking on Bataan at 6 p.m., and Pasig battling Mindoro at 8 p.m.
