Caloocan Batang Kankaloo Defeat Bataan to Strengthen North Division Lead

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Bataan Risers, 100-81, on Wednesday at the One Arena in Cainta, extending their lead in the North Division to 13-1.

Bataan managed to cut the deficit to 80-86 late in the game, but Jeff Manday ignited a decisive 14-1 run with a three-pointer that helped Caloocan pull away for good. The win widened the gap between the Batang Kankaloo and second-place Abra Solid North (10-1).

Dom Escobar delivered a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and two assists to earn Best Player honors. Jeff Manday added 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Jammer Jamito contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Chris Bitoon scored 12 points, and Kymani Ladi added 10 points, including an emphatic alley-oop dunk.

Bataan, which fell to 5-8, was led by Hubert Cani’s 20 points, including five three-pointers. Alfred Flores added 16 points, while Tutoy Ramirez and Chris Javier chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Caloocan took control after a close first quarter, building a 46-35 halftime lead and maintaining their advantage for the rest of the game.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season continues on Thursday at the Batangas City Sports Center, with San Juan facing Pasig at 4 p.m., Marikina taking on Quezon Province at 6 p.m., and Batangas battling Sarangani at 8 p.m.