Biñan extends winning streak to 10 with rout of Manila

Biñan Tatak Gel pulled away after a competitive opening quarter and cruised to a commanding 129-85 victory over Manila Batang Quiapo on Wednesday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the Pasay Astrodome.

After taking just a four-point lead at the end of the first period, Biñan seized control in the second quarter to build a 61-38 halftime cushion. The Laguna-based squad widened the margin to 95-69 after three quarters before completing the rout to notch its 10th consecutive victory.

The win improved Biñan's record to 13-3 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 27-team tournament, tying Cebu for fourth place in the South Division behind Gensan (14-2), Batangas (13-2), and Quezon Province (10-2).

New acquisition Nic Cabanero continued his impressive run, earning Best Player of the Game honors after tallying 20 points, four assists, four steals, and three rebounds in just 16 minutes and 24 seconds. The former University of Santo Tomas standout scored 11 of his points during Biñan's decisive third-quarter surge.

Jaymar Gimpayan added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Michael Mabulac registered a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Kenny Roger Rocacurva contributed 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds, and homegrown guard John Barba also finished with 12 points.

"I am grateful for our veteran teammates, like Kuya Ping (Marc Pingris) and Kuya Mike (Mabulac), for guiding the young players and me," said Cabanero.

Manila slipped to 2-14 despite a 26-point, eight-rebound, four-assist effort from Mark Doligon and 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists from Alfred Sedillo.

Behind the frontcourt trio of Mabulac, Gimpayan, and Warren Bonifacio, Biñan dominated the boards, 62-26, including a lopsided 16-1 edge in offensive rebounds. That advantage translated into a 76-24 scoring margin in the paint.

The tournament resumes Thursday at Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite, with Bacolod facing Cebu at 4 p.m., Bataan taking on Ilagan Isabela at 6 p.m., and San Juan meeting Gensan at 8 p.m.