Pontejos Shines Against Former Team as Sparks Extend Winning Streak to Four

Janine Pontejos wasted no time making an impact, leading Akari-Rizal to a commanding 100-67 victory over her former team, Caloocan, in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) at MRB Gymnasium on Wednesday.

Traded to the Sparks last week alongside Rejoice Adlawan in exchange for Angel Anies and a second-round pick, Pontejos torched her old squad with five three-pointers, finishing with 21 points and five assists in just 16 minutes during her Akari-Rizal debut.

The win also had significant implications for the Sparks, who improved to 6-1 and secured at least a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, climbing to the top of the standings and remaining in strong contention for an outright semifinals berth.

Akari-Rizal dominated from the start, racing to a 26-8 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The Sparks stretched their advantage to as many as 40 points in the fourth quarter after a layup by Galicia made it 92-52 with 4:09 remaining, securing a wire-to-wire triumph.

“We needed this win as a springboard for the next games, especially since we’re facing tough opponents like Biñan and Batangas,” said Sparks head coach Derick Pumaren. “We didn’t take this game for granted and prepared accordingly.”

Supporting Pontejos, Allana Lim contributed 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Joanne Nagma added 10 points and five rebounds in less than 11 minutes. Jhenn Angeles chipped in nine points, four assists, and three rebounds, and Camille Sambile finished with eight points, three assists, and two rebounds, as the Sparks extended their winning streak to four games.

Caloocan, meanwhile, dropped to 1-6 but remain in contention for a twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage if they win their final three games. Janeth Sison led the Lady Kankaloo with 13 points and four rebounds, while Tin Capilit and Sofia Felisarta contributed 10 points apiece.