Batang Kankaloo Takes Solo Lead in MPBL 2026

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo claimed the solo lead, while Abra Solid North continued their unbeaten streak in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season on Monday at the San Jose Del Monte Sports Complex in Bulacan.

Caloocan cruised past the Meycauayan Marilao Gems, 97-79, in the second game of the night to secure their fourth consecutive win. This victory moved them ahead of the Gensan Warriors and the Bataan Risers, who both hold 3-0 records.

Led by rookie standout Kean Baclaan and four other double-digit scorers, the Batang Kankaloo dominated the game from start to finish, leading by as much as 74-49 and dropping the Gems to a 1-2 record. Baclaan, a former De La Salle Green Archers player, posted 15 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds, earning Best Player honors. He outperformed Kymani Ladi of Meycauayan, who finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

Eric Camson and Paul Casin both scored 13 points, while Jammer Jamito added 11 points and 6 rebounds for Caloocan. For the Gems, Shawn Argente led the way with 25 points, while Agem Miranda and Patrick Ramos contributed 14 points each.

In the earlier game, defending champions Abra Weavers triumphed over Batangas City Tanduay Athletics, 98-91, to improve to 2-0 in the round-robin phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Shaun Ildefonso sparked a key 10-1 run with eight points, breaking a 40-all tie and pushing Abra ahead. Mike Ayonayon caught fire, with Encho Serrano offering support, helping the Weavers extend their lead to as much as 16 points on four occasions, the last at 73-57 with 3:55 left in the third quarter.

Ayonayon finished with 16 points and 2 rebounds, while JD Fenner contributed 15 points, including a buzzer-beating slam to end the first half, along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Serrano added 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Other contributors to Abra's 48th consecutive win dating back to last year included Shaun Ildefonso with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, Raven Gonzales with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, Kascius Small-Martin with 9 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, and reigning MVP Dave Ildefonso with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.