Knights brace for tougher Batang Kankaloo test in semis

A return showdown highlights the knockout semifinals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2026 Preseason Invitational on Tuesday as San Juan faces Caloocan anew, while Batangas collides with Mindoro at the FilOil Centre.

The San Juan Knights look to repeat their earlier victory over the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo when the two sides square off at 7 p.m. San Juan previously prevailed, 68–59, in their Group B meeting, but Caloocan enters the rematch with added firepower.

The Batang Kankaloo bolstered their lineup with the arrival of former Ateneo standouts Dom Escobar and Kymani Ladi. The 6-foot-8 Ladi and 6-foot-5 Escobar are expected to team up with ex-De La Salle guard Kean Baclaan in an attempt to overturn their earlier defeat.

San Juan, meanwhile, will once again lean on a solid core led by Orlan Wamar and AC Soberano, alongside former University of the Philippines standouts Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres, as well as former Perpetual Help forward Patrick Sleat.

In the earlier semifinal at 5 p.m., Batangas faces Mindoro after dominating their first Group A encounter, 88–58. Despite that lopsided result, Batangas is bracing for a tougher challenge this time as Mindoro enters the knockout round with momentum.

The Tamaraws secured the final playoff berth after winning their last three elimination-round games, finishing behind Abra and Batangas in the group standings.

Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters will rely on the scoring punch of newcomers Ino Comboy, Jhan Nermal, Rhinwill Yambing, Abdul Sawat, and Kraniel Viloria, along with holdovers Ced Ablaza and Jeckster Apinan.

Mindoro counters with its mix of homegrown standouts Jayjay Caspe, JC Recto, and Jake Agoncillo, who will join forces with veterans Bam Gamalinda, Marion Magat, Joseph Sedurifa, and Jonas Tibayan in hopes of avenging their earlier loss.

The winners of Tuesday’s semifinals will move on to the crossover finals on March 19, with the San Juan–Caloocan victor set to face Group B top seed Quezon Province, while the Batangas–Mindoro winner will meet Abra.