Athletics extend streak, Batang Kankaloo cruise in MPBL

Batangas City Tanduay Athletics pulled away late to defeat the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers, 76-66, on Friday and tighten their grip on first place in the South Division of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.

The Athletics stretched their winning streak to 13 games and improved to 15-2, maintaining their lead over Quezon Province (13-2) and Binan (15-3), which earlier defeated Ilagan Isabela, 90-69.

In the second game, Caloocan rolled past Basilan, 103-71, to improve to 17-2 and remain third in the North Division behind Abra Solid North (16-1) and San Juan (15-1).

Batangas broke open a close contest with a decisive 12-2 run led by Ino Comboy, turning a five-point advantage into a 75-60 lead with 3:27 remaining.

Comboy starred with a season-high 25 points, including six three-pointers, while adding 10 rebounds and four assists.

"I couldn't have done this without the trust of my teammates and my coaches," said Comboy.

Jhan Nermal added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Abdul Sawat contributed 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Rhinwill Yambing chipped in seven points.

Rizal dropped to 11-7 despite 14 points from Jolo Mendoza, who knocked down four three-pointers. AJ Coronel had nine points and five rebounds, while Billy Robles recorded eight points and 10 rebounds.

Caloocan displayed its depth with 13 players scoring as the Batang Kankaloo dominated the boards and pulled away midway through the fourth quarter.

Jammer Jamito led the way with 15 points and six rebounds. Kymani Ladi finished with 13 points, while Rommel Calahat scored 12. Kean Baclaan and Jeff Manday added 11 points each, with Baclaan also tallying six assists and four rebounds.

Basilan slipped to 9-11 despite John Wilson's 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Mark Montuano contributed 11 points, while Gab Cometa had 10 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.

Earlier, Binan Tatak Gel rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to defeat Ilagan Isabela, 90-69, extending its winning streak to 12 games.

Powered by Nic Cabanero, Carlo Lastimosa, and Renzo Subido, Binan outscored the Cowboys 54-25 in the second half to improve to 15-3.

Cabanero led the way with 22 points, three assists, and three steals, while Subido added 15 points and Lastimosa chipped in 13.

"They want me to develop my shooting and not rely solely on my drives," Cabanero said after knocking down four of his five attempts from three-point range.

Michael Mabulac added 12 points and eight rebounds as Binan dominated the glass, 43-28, and owned a 54-26 advantage in points in the paint.

Ilagan Isabela fell to 12-7 despite 14 points from Allen Mina, 12 points from Arth Dela Cruz, and 11 points from Robby Celiz.

The tournament continues Saturday at the Orion Sports Complex with Pasig taking on Cebu at 3 p.m., Imus facing Marikina at 5 p.m., and Negros meeting host Bataan at 7 p.m.