Caloocan Takes Solo Lead in MPBL 2026 Season as Newcomers Shine
The SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season is heating up, with Caloocan Batang Kankaloo seizing the solo lead after a dominant performance. Meanwhile, debutants Abra and Quezon Province have made their presence felt with impressive victories in the ongoing round-robin elimination phase. The tournament, featuring 28 teams across two divisions, has already showcased thrilling matchups and emerging storylines.
Caloocan's Unstoppable Run
The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo solidified their top spot in the standings with a commanding 77-49 victory over the Negros Hacienderos. This win marks their third consecutive triumph, underscoring their strong start to the season. The team displayed a balanced attack and stifling defense, leaving no room for their opponents to gain momentum.
The victory was anchored by stellar performances from their key players. The 6-foot-8 Kymani Ladi was a force in the paint, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He was instrumental in Caloocan's decisive run in the second half, including a crucial dunk that ignited their surge. Kean Baclaan provided solid support with 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Jielo Razon added nine points and three rebounds.
The game was a close affair early on, with Negros even leading by as much as 18-8. However, a triple from Jan Formento tied the score at 37-37. This proved to be the turning point, as Caloocan responded with an 11-point run, sparked by Ladi's emphatic dunk, to take control of the game. Negros, despite a valiant effort from Formento who poured in 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, couldn't contain Caloocan's offensive firepower.
Abra's Dominance Continues
Defending champions Abra Solid North Weavers continued their reign of dominance with an overwhelming 115-81 thrashing of the Paranaque Patriots. The Weavers showcased their championship pedigree, delivering a performance that highlighted their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
Leading the charge for Abra was their star import, DJ Fenner. The 6-foot-6 Fenner, a former US NCAA Division I standout from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, was a one-man wrecking crew, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block. His highlight reel included a thunderous two-handed slam that electrified the crowd. Fenner's exceptional all-around game earned him Best Player honors.
The Weavers' depth was also on full display. Raven Gonzales contributed 16 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Drex Delos Reyes added 15 points, including two impressive one-handed jams, along with five rebounds and two blocks. Local talent Jay Yutuc also chipped in with 15 points and five rebounds. Reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso added 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while his brother Shaun contributed seven points and six rebounds.
Abra's imposing frontline, featuring the towering 6-foot-8 Delos Reyes, the 6-foot-7 Gonzales, and the 6-foot-6 Tucker Molina, dominated the paint, outscoring the Patriots 76-24 in that area. The Weavers' impressive victory extends their remarkable unbeaten streak to 47 games, a testament to their sustained excellence and their ambition to repeat as champions.
Paranaque, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, suffering their third consecutive defeat. Ryusei Koga led the Patriots with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Marlon Monte added 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Jomar Santos also contributed with 10 points and five rebounds.
Quezon Province Makes a Statement
The Quezon Huskers also debuted with a hard-fought 66-59 victory over Binan Tatak Gel. The Huskers, a perennial contender in the South Division, demonstrated their readiness to compete for another title with a gritty performance.
Quezon controlled the game for a significant portion, holding a lead for over 30 minutes. Their newest acquisition, Cyrus Tabi, proved to be a crucial addition. Tabi, stepping into the void left by LJ Gonzales, delivered a clutch performance, drilling a dagger triple in the final minutes to seal the win. He finished with 11 points, highlighted by three three-pointers, along with eight assists and four rebounds, earning him Best Player honors.
Mike Canete led the Huskers in scoring with 14 points and four rebounds, while Will McAloney added 12 points and seven rebounds. Judel Fuentes contributed 11 points and two rebounds. The Huskers, the reigning back-to-back South Division kings, are clearly aiming for a national championship once again.
For Binan Tatak Gel, former University of Santo Tomas star Nic Cabanero put up a strong effort with 16 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, six rebounds, and two assists. Pamboy Raymundo added 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Kenny Roger Rocacurva had 12 points and seven rebounds. Despite their efforts, Binan now sits with a 1-2 record.
Upcoming Schedule
The MPBL 2026 Season action continues on Wednesday at the Pasay Astrodome. The day's matchups include:
- Meycauayan vs. Quezon City at 4:00 PM
- Batangas vs. Cebu at 6:00 PM
- Basilan vs. Pasay at 8:00 PM
Fans can expect more exciting basketball as the league progresses and teams battle for supremacy.
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