Batang Kankaloo survive Tamaraws in OT to stay on top of North Division

Caloocan Batang Kankaloo escaped with a thrilling 91–88 overtime victory over Mindoro on Saturday at One Arena in Cainta, preserving their spot atop the North Division in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season.

The win allowed Caloocan to bounce back from a loss to San Juan and improve to 12–1, staying ahead of Abra Solid North (10–1) and San Juan (9–1).

Mindoro led 88–87 after a triple from Bambam Gamalinda, but Chris Bitoon answered with a fastbreak layup. Jeff Manday then split his free throws to give Caloocan a 90–88 lead with 21.3 seconds left. Gamalinda missed a potential game-winner, and after Bitoon split his free throws again, Harvey Pagsanjan sealed the victory with a crucial steal.

Manday led Caloocan with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals to earn Best Player honors. Bitoon and Jammer Jamito each added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Mindoro dropped to 5–7 despite a big performance from Gamalinda (35 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals). Joseph Sedurifa added 23 points, and JC Recto had 15.

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**In other games:**

**Biñan Tatak Gel** extended its winning streak to seven with a dominant 72–53 rout of Zamboanga SiKat. Nic Cabañero led the way with 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Biñan improved to 10–3 and sits fourth in the South Division.

**Batangas City Tanduay Athletics** cruised to a 119–92 victory over Negros Hacienderos, extending their winning streak to eight and improving to 10–2. Six players scored in double figures, led by Rhinwill Yambing with 23 points.