Caloocan Batang Kankaloo 91 – 88 Mindoro Tamaraws
Philippines MPBL – June 13, 2026

In a thrilling MPBL matchup that came down to the final possession, the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo edged the Mindoro Tamaraws 91–88 on Saturday night. The home side used a strong fourth‑quarter surge and clutch free‑throw shooting to overcome a gritty Tamaraws squad that had led for most of the second half.

Game Flow

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets. Mindoro held a slim 46–44 advantage at the break, thanks to efficient inside scoring from their big men. The Tamaraws extended their lead to 10 points midway through the third quarter, appearing to seize control of the game. However, Caloocan responded with a 12‑2 run to close the period, trailing just 72–70 heading into the final frame.

Fourth‑Quarter Drama

The Batang Kankaloo turned up the defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, forcing three turnovers in the first four minutes. A three‑pointer from guard Rico Santos gave Caloocan its first lead since the opening quarter, 78–76, with 6:30 remaining. The teams exchanged leads five times down the stretch, but a pair of free throws from Mark Villanueva put Caloocan up 89–88 with 22 seconds left.

On the ensuing possession, Mindoro's leading scorer Kevin Dela Cruz drove to the basket but missed a contested layup. Caloocan secured the rebound and Jayson Reyes calmly sank two free throws to seal the victory with 3 seconds on the clock.

Standout Performances

Rico Santos led all scorers with 26 points, including five three‑pointers, while also dishing out 7 assists. Mark Villanueva contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, providing a crucial double‑double. For the Tamaraws, Kevin Dela Cruz finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds, but his miss in the final seconds proved costly. Jordan Mendoza added 19 points off the bench for Mindoro.

Season Impact

The victory improves Caloocan's record to 9‑7, keeping them in the middle of the MPBL South Division playoff race. Mindoro falls to 7‑10, now needing a strong finish to keep their postseason hopes alive. With this hard‑fought win, the Batang Kankaloo showed resilience and clutch poise that could serve them well in the months ahead.