Batang Kankaloo Dominate Darkhorse to Claim Solo MPBL Lead

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo cruised past the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 97-58, Tuesday night at the Caloocan Sports Complex, seizing sole possession of the top spot in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 season.

Leveraging their height and physicality, Caloocan controlled the glass, 53-38, which fueled a 46-24 advantage in points in the paint and a staggering 27-6 edge in second-chance points. The victory marked the Batang Kankaloo’s eighth consecutive win in the round-robin elimination of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Caloocan’s defense was equally dominant, forcing 18 turnovers that led to a 26-8 fastbreak points advantage. The team pulled away decisively, stretching the lead to 90-48 with 5:33 remaining in the game.

Kymani Ladi led the effort with 13 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, narrowly edging Jeff Manday, who finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, for best player honors. Rommel Calahat added 11 points and four boards, Jammer Jamito contributed 10 points and six rebounds, while Antonio Bonsubre recorded four points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. The win moved Caloocan ahead of the Gensan Warriors (7-0) and extended their lead over the Quezon Huskers (5-0).

Valenzuela fell to 4-4, with Jay Collado providing the lone bright spot with 13 points and six rebounds.

Elsewhere, the Quezon City Black Bulls surged to a 61-34 lead early and never looked back, cruising to their fifth win in eight games and tying the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, who had suffered back-to-back losses. Ryan Costelo paced Quezon City with 17 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while Clark Derige added 15 points and nine boards. Brian Rosalin chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds, with ML Joson contributing 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

For Ilagan Isabela, JP Cauilan led with 17 points and four rebounds. Arth Dela Cruz finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, Joseph Gabayni also added 13 points and five rebounds, while Jayboy Solis and Kyle Paranada scored 10 points each.

The MPBL resumes Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Montalban with Manila vs. Pasay at 4 p.m., Gensan vs. Negros at 6 p.m., and host Rizal vs. Basilan at 8 p.m.