Akari-Rizal aims for a crucial postseason breakthrough on Wednesday at MRB Gymnasium when it battles Caloocan, with a victory assuring the Sparks of at least a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals and strengthening their bid for an outright semifinal berth in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
A win over the Lady Kankaloo would not only secure Akari-Rizal a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals, but also push the Sparks to a 6-1 record and the top spot of the tournament backed by Aktive.
Caloocan, meanwhile, sits at 1-5 with four games remaining in its elimination-round schedule and is already out of contention for an outright semifinal berth.
The Lady Kankaloo now need to stack wins to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat incentive and avoid finishing in the bottom two, which would put them in danger of a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarterfinals.
Akari-Rizal and Caloocan clash at 4:00 PM, followed by Biñan-Tatak Gel (4-2) taking on Pasig (2-5) at 6:00 PM at the MRB Gymnasium.
“We’re playing Caloocan again. We’re not gonna be complacent. Hindi pwedeng ganon dahil second round na — we need to beat them out, catch up, and try to make it as a top two team. We’ll just have to be ready again like we were today,” said Sparks head coach Derrick Pumaren.
Akari-Rizal continues to draw steady production from its core, led by Raiza Palmera-Dy, who drilled six triples to finish with 26 points and nine assists in their 89-72 win over RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT last May 27.
Allana Lim, Mar Prado, and Angel Anies are expected to backstop Palmera-Dy in the crucial encounter against Caloocan. They will provide veteran presence and stability on both ends of the floor as the Sparks look to strengthen their push for a strong elimination-round finish.
Caloocan, meanwhile, missed the services of Janine Pontejos, Rejoice Adlawan, and Kris Tolentino, as well as new head coach Brian Lacap, in its 66-99 loss to Pasig last week. The Lady Kankaloo will look to regroup as they try to stay alive in the race for a twice-to-beat incentive and avoid slipping further down the standings.
(C) WMPBL
In the nightcap, the Angels will try to halt a two-game slide when they face a Queenpin side riding momentum after finally snapping a four-game skid.
Biñan-Tatak Gel will lean on Monique Del Carmen, Chack Cabinbin, Luisa San Juan, and Eka Soriano as it hopes to snap its two-game slump and finally break through for its first win in the second round.
On the other hand, Gabi Bade, LJ Miranda, and Lee Sario will be key as Pasig looks to build on its recent win and sustain its push for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
