Angels Dominate Late, Rout RK Hoops in Season Opener

Biñan-Tatak Gel kicked off their 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League W MPBL campaign in style, using a powerful fourth-quarter run to pull away from RK Hoops–Quezon City 10ACT, 66-46, on Sunday at the Alonte Sports Arena.

With an eight-point lead heading into the final frame, the Angels exploded with a 14-0 run midway through the period. This surge transformed a narrow 50-42 advantage into a commanding 64-42 lead with just over two minutes left, sealing the win and shutting down any chance of a comeback from Quezon City.

Despite the dominant finish, head coach Jack Azcueta noted that the team is still in the early stages of building team chemistry.

“We’re blessed to get this first win, but honestly, it feels more like a tune-up game. This is only our second game together as a team,” Azcueta admitted. “We’ve had six weeks of practice, but this is only the second time we’ve played as a full unit. We're just grateful for the win.”

Eka Soriano led the charge for Biñan with 20 points and five rebounds, while Monique Del Carmen had an impressive all-around showing, contributing 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Del Carmen sparked the critical fourth-quarter surge, scoring seven points during that key stretch.

Chack Cabinbin orchestrated the offense with eight points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals, while Claudine Santos and Danica Pacia added six points each.

Biñan-Tatak Gel capitalized on RK Hoops-QC’s 26 turnovers, turning them into 27 points, and tightened their defense down the stretch to control the tempo and limit the opposition's scoring chances.

On the other hand, Faith Panti led RK Hoops-QC with 10 points, the only player in double figures, as the team suffered its 10th consecutive loss dating back to last season.

Stiff Larrosa added nine points and Fatima Quiapo chipped in seven, but the squad struggled with offensive consistency throughout the game. The absence of Tantoy Ferrer, who is currently representing the national team at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup qualifiers in Singapore, was also a notable factor in the team’s performance.