Bacolod Secures First Win, Defeats Sarangani in MPBL Preseason

"The Bacolod MassKarabroke their three-game losing streak and finally entered the win column of the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational with a hard-fought 82-74 victory over Sarangani 10ACT on Monday night at the Marikina Sports Center.

Adven Diputado led the way with 20 points, along with four assists, three steals, and two rebounds, helping Bacolod secure its first win in four games. Johnnel Bauzon came close to a double-double, contributing 19 points and nine rebounds, while Nino Ibanez added 12 points. Riel Cervantes and Arvie Bringas also made key contributions, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively, as MassKara’s balanced attack pulled away late.

Despite Lars Sunga’s double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, Sarangani remained winless through six games. Carl Bryan Lacap and Migs Pascual scored 11 points each, while Danny Marilao added 10 points and three rebounds in the loss.

In the night’s second game, the San Juan Knights Go for Gold secured a playoff spot after fending off the Muntinlupa Cagers, 81-73. Muntinlupa made a late push, cutting the deficit to 76-73 with a seven-point run. However, San Juan tightened its defense and held the Cagers scoreless in the final 3:59 to extend its winning streak to six and lock in a top-three finish in Group B’s nine-team elimination round.

Terrence Fortea hit a crucial three-pointer down the stretch, while Michael Calisaan’s putback steadied the Knights. Bacolod native Harold Alarcon was named Best Player with 12 points and five rebounds. Calisaan recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Reyland Torres added 11 points.

The loss eliminated Muntinlupa from contention, as they dropped to a 2-4 record. MJ Dela Virgen led the Cagers with 20 points and four assists, Miguel Ives Corteza contributed 15 points, and Shawn Argente posted 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals."

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