Ladi Fuels Late Surge as Batang Kankaloo Edge Voyagers

Caloocan stifled Pasay’s persistent rallies and held on for an 82–74 triumph on Thursday, maintaining their top spot in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season at the Pasay Astrodome.

The Voyagers mounted two late challenges, the closest at 75–73, but Caloocan responded with timely baskets from Kymani Ladi in the final minutes, extending their winning streak to 11 games in the round-robin elimination of the two-division, 28-team tournament.

Ladi finished with 15 points, highlighted by a thunderous two-handed dunk with 44.7 seconds left, along with eight rebounds and three assists, helping Caloocan widen their lead over the Quezon Huskers in the playoff race.

The 6-foot-8 former Ateneo standout earned best player honors over teammates Jielo Razon, who tallied 13 points and two assists; Cris Bitoon, who added 10 points, four steals, and two assists; and Eric Camson, who contributed 11 points.

Pasay had closed the gap to 68–66 after a seven-point burst from Christian Fajarito, and again to 73–71 on a run from Cyril Gonzales. However, clutch baskets from Camson and Ladi sealed the win for Caloocan.

The Voyagers fell to 7–4, led by Fajarito’s 32 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Gonzales and homegrown guard Nico Quinal chipped in nine points apiece.

In the nightcap, the Cebu Greats overpowered the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 89–70, improving to 8–3.

Mark Meneses spearheaded Cebu with 17 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two assists, as the Greats shot efficiently, converting 37 of 71 attempts compared to Valenzuela’s 25 of 72.

Meneses received strong support from Ron Dennison, who also scored 17 points with two rebounds; Wowie Escosio, 14 points and eight boards; Simon Camacho and Alfrancis Tamsi, nine points each; and veteran Dondon Hontiveros, who added eight points.

Valenzuela, dropping to 5–6, was paced by Angelo Obuyes with 21 points and four rebounds, and Jay Collado, who contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.