Huskers rally past Batang Kankaloo with late 10-0 run

The Quezon Huskers closed the game on a decisive 10-0 run to pull off a thrilling 72-67 comeback victory over the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo on Saturday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Trailing 67-62 in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, the Huskers turned to Judel Fuentes and Jolo Manansala to fuel the rally, improving to 10-2 in the elimination round and moving closer to South Division leaders Gensan (14-2) and Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (12-2).

Manansala sparked the comeback with a driving layup before Fuentes buried a three-pointer and followed it up with a basket in the paint. Manansala then added another drive to complete a 9-0 surge that gave Quezon a 71-67 lead.

Joshua Yerro iced the victory by making one of two free throws with 8.5 seconds remaining, handing Caloocan just its second defeat in 16 games.

The Batang Kankaloo appeared poised to protect their home floor after Kean Baclaan scored on a jumper and a driving layup to stretch the lead to five, 67-62, with 6:14 left. However, Caloocan went scoreless the rest of the way as Eric Camson misfired on two free throws and a short shot, while the rest of the team failed to convert down the stretch.

Cedric Manzano led the Huskers with 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Fuentes finished with 14 points and six assists, while Cyrus Tabi added 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Camson paced Caloocan with 13 points and four rebounds but struggled from the free-throw line, converting only four of his 11 attempts. Kymani Ladi was also held in check with two points, seven rebounds, two assists, and four steals.

In the day's second game, the Quezon City Black Bulls kept their postseason hopes alive with a commanding 106-74 victory over the Parañaque Patriots.

Kobe Monje led Quezon City with 21 points and six rebounds, while MJ Joson recorded a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, along with two steals. Carmel Espinosa also posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Parañaque fell to 1-17 despite a 28-point, 11-rebound performance from Jomar Santos. Marlon Monte contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while James Mangahas added 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

MPBL action resumes on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, with Negros facing Cebu at 4 p.m., Imus taking on Bataan at 6 p.m., and Pasig hosting Mindoro at 8 p.m.