Batang Kankaloo Dominate Royals by 72, Take Solo Lead

Caloocan extended its commanding run in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season with a 121-49 rout of Iloilo on Wednesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex, claiming sole possession of the top spot in the standings.

Fueled by another standout performance from Jeff Manday, the Batang Kankaloo built a massive 72-34 lead through three quarters and poured it on in the fourth to secure their seventh consecutive win in the 28-team, round-robin elimination phase.

Caloocan now joins Gensan (6-0) and Quezon Province (4-0) among the early frontrunners in the race for playoff berths.

Manday led the charge with 37 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Jeramer Cabanag and Paul Casin each added 13 points, while Dom Escobar, Eric Camson, and Jammer Jamito contributed eight points apiece.

“We’re building chemistry through our practices,” said Manday.

Iloilo dropped to 1-6, with EJ Perez leading the team with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Carl Sumalacay added 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

In a separate matchup, the Cebu Greats maintained their momentum with a 109-94 victory over the Sarangani 10ACT Marlins.

Mark Meneses starred for Cebu with 25 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, helping the Greats extend their winning streak to three games and improve to 5-2. Wowie Escosio contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, while homegrown standout Kint Ariar added 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Simon Camacho posted a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds, and Dhon Reverente and Paul Desiderio chipped in nine points each.

Sarangani dropped its fifth straight game after opening the season with a win. Danny Marilao led the Marlins with 22 points and six rebounds, Leland Estacio added 17 points, three assists, and two rebounds, Yvan Ludovice scored 15 points, Larce Sunga contributed 11 points and 18 rebounds, and Migs Pascual added 11 points, three assists, and two rebounds.