Batang Kankaloo Overcome Golden Coolers, Clinch Solo Top Spot

Caloocan fought off a late surge from Rizal Xentro Mall, emerging with a hard-fought 68-65 victory on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, to take sole possession of first place in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season standings.

With just 5:36 left in the game and trailing 52-58, Caloocan leaned on standout players Kymani Ladi, Kean Baclaan, and Dom Escobar to turn the tide and secure their second consecutive win in the elimination round of the 28-team tournament.

The 6-foot-8 Ladi led the charge, scoring seven crucial points in the final stretch, while Baclaan, a former La Salle guard, and Escobar, a former Ateneo star, helped seal the victory and handed the Golden Coolers their second straight loss.

Baclaan iced the game with two free throws at the 12.7-second mark, giving Caloocan a 66-63 lead. Escobar followed up by hitting two free throws of his own with four seconds left, ensuring the win.

Rizal had one last chance to send the game to overtime, but Jolo Mendoza’s buzzer-beating three-point attempt went wide. Earlier, Alwyn Alday had the opportunity to tie the game with 5.3 seconds remaining after being fouled on a three-point shot, but missed the second of his three free throws.

Ladi finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals to lead Caloocan. Jammer Jamito added 13 points and two rebounds, while Baclaan contributed 11 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Escobar chipped in eight points.

For Rizal, JP Maguliano led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Mark Yee finished with 11 points and four rebounds, while JP Sarao added 10 points and five rebounds.

The tournament continues on Thursday at the Pasay Astrodome, starting with Cebu facing San Juan at 4 p.m., followed by Quezon City vs. Binan at 6 p.m., and Paranaque taking on Pasay at 8 p.m.