Angels, RK Hoops target semifinal spots in Women’s MPBL playoffs

The path to the championship tightens on Wednesday as four teams compete for semifinal berths in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) quarterfinals at the Parañaque Coliseum, with two squads aiming to advance outright and two others fighting to extend their campaigns.

Third-seeded Biñan-Tatak Gel opens the action against sixth-seeded Caloocan at 4 p.m., with the Angels needing just one win to move on, while the Lady Kankaloo aim to force a deciding game.

In the 6 p.m. nightcap, fourth-seeded RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT faces fifth-seeded Pasig, with RK Hoops also holding a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the matchup.

With semifinal spots at stake, momentum and prior matchups could play a major role as the remaining teams prepare for high-pressure, do-or-die basketball.

Biñan-Tatak Gel enters its series with a strong edge after sweeping Caloocan in both of their regular-season meetings.

The Angels dominated their first encounter, 102–67, before delivering an even more decisive 87–48 victory in the rematch, winning both games by an average margin of 37 points.

Those lopsided results not only boost Biñan-Tatak Gel’s confidence but also underline the clear advantage they have established heading into the playoffs.

Key to the Angels’ campaign has been their core rotation led by Luisa San Juan, Monique Del Carmen, Eka Soriano, and Chack Cabinbin, whose consistent production and leadership have anchored the team on both ends of the court.

Head coach Jack Azcueta said, “Thankful na nakuha namin ‘yung No. 3 spot and ‘yung twice-to-beat advantage. Paghahandaan namin kasi kapag playoffs, iba na ‘yung laro kasi sure, paghahandaan din nila kami.”

The Lady Kankaloo, meanwhile, will try to extend their season behind Roxanne Canindo, Dianne Pedregosa, and Loraine Capilit as they attempt to crack Biñan-Tatak Gel’s stronghold.

The winner of the Biñan–Caloocan matchup will advance to face top seed Akari-Rizal in the semifinals of the tournament backed by Aktive.

In the second game, RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT and Pasig clash in another must-win contest, with the winner moving on to face second seed and defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire.

The two teams split their regular-season meetings, with Pasig edging RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT, 68–67, before Quezon City responded with an 81–74 win in the rematch.

RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT will lean on the steady play of Tantoy Ferrer, while Pasig will rely on Gabi Bade to lead the Queenpin’s charge and keep their title hopes alive.