Athletics extend streak to 12, strengthen hold on South lead

Batangas City Tanduay Athletics continued their dominant run in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season, rolling past Basilan Steel, 87-71, on Thursday before a packed crowd at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Athletics pulled away in the fourth quarter, turning a manageable 65-57 advantage into an 84-61 cushion with a decisive 19-4 run fueled by Rhinwill Yambing and Ino Comboy. The victory improved Batangas to a league-best 14-2 record and extended its winning streak to 12 games atop the South Division.

Defending South Division champion Quezon Province remained in pursuit at 12-2, followed by Gensan (14-3), Cebu (14-3), and Biñan (13-3). Cebu and Biñan were still in action at press time.

Jhan Nermal led the Athletics with 23 points, highlighted by three triples, while also collecting seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Comboy added 19 points on five three-pointers to go along with four assists and three rebounds.

Yambing contributed 11 points, while Kraniel Viloria chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

"Our focus is really on defense and executing our plays," said Nermal. "We're not thinking about being No. 1. We're just focused on our upcoming games."

Batangas created separation late in the second quarter when back-to-back three-pointers—two from Nermal and one from Comboy—stretched the lead to 51-30.

Basilan dropped to 8-10 despite 12 points from Neil Owens. John Wilson registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Gab Cometa finished with nine points and five assists.

The MPBL heads to the Cebu Coliseum on Saturday, where Mindoro faces Zamboanga SiKat at 5 p.m. before Cebu takes on Caloocan at 8 p.m.

Following the opening game, the league will honor 21 Cebuano basketball icons for their contributions to the sport.

Four-time PBA Most Valuable Player Ramon Fernandez headlines the list of awardees, with each honoree set to receive a plaque of recognition.

Joining Fernandez are Bonel Balingit, Elmer "Boy" Cabahug, Peter Naron, Marcelino "Terry" Albarillo, Rodolfo Jose "Bong" Abad Jr., Hilario "Larry" Villanil, Calvin Tuadles, Alfonso "Al" Solis, Lowell Briones, Alexandro "Jojo" Lim, Maximo "Mad Max" Delantes, Wilfredo "Willy" Generalao, Norberto "Titing" Manalili Sr., Rogelio "Roger" Yap Jr., Junthy L. Valenzuela, Cresencio "Dondon" Ampalayo, Manuel "Manny" Paner, Ramon "Montoy" Singson, Jercules "Jojo" Tangkay, and Reynaldo "Reyns" Yncierto.

MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta and Operations Head Zaldy Realubit said the recognition program will continue with more Cebuano basketball personalities to be honored in future ceremonies.

According to Cebu Greats representative and backer Sam Lato, tickets for Saturday's doubleheader have already been sold out.