Sparks Eye Twice-to-Beat Advantage Against Lady Kankaloo

Akari-Rizal aims for a critical postseason milestone on Wednesday at MRB Gymnasium when it faces Caloocan. A win would guarantee the Sparks at least a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals and strengthen their case for an outright semifinal berth in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL)

Defeating the Lady Kankaloo would not only secure Akari-Rizal a twice-to-beat advantage but also elevate their record to 6-1, positioning them at the top of the standings.

Caloocan, on the other hand, holds a 1-5 record with four elimination-round games remaining and is already out of contention for an automatic semifinal berth. The Lady Kankaloo must now accumulate wins to remain in the race for a twice-to-beat incentive and avoid finishing in the bottom two, which would force them into a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarterfinals.

Akari-Rizal and Caloocan tip off at 4 p.m., followed by Biñan-Tatak Gel (4-2) taking on Pasig (2-5) at 6 p.m., both at MRB Gymnasium.

“We’re facing Caloocan again, and we can’t be complacent. It’s the second round — we need to beat them, catch up, and aim for a top-two finish. We’ll be ready just like today,” said Sparks head coach Derrick Pumaren.

Akari-Rizal continues to rely on its core players, led by Raiza Palmera-Dy, who scored 26 points with six three-pointers and nine assists in their 89-72 win over RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT on May 27. Allana Lim, Mar Prado, and Angel Anies are expected to provide veteran support and stability on both ends of the floor as the Sparks push for a strong finish in the elimination round.

Caloocan, meanwhile, struggled without Janine Pontejos, Rejoice Adlawan, and Kris Tolentino, as well as new head coach Brian Lacap, falling 66-99 to Pasig last week. The Lady Kankaloo will aim to regroup as they fight to remain in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage and avoid further slide in the standings.

In the nightcap, the Angels will attempt to halt a two-game skid when they take on a Queenpin team riding momentum after snapping a four-game losing streak. Biñan-Tatak Gel will lean on Monique Del Carmen, Chack Cabinbin, Luisa San Juan, and Eka Soriano to end its two-game slump and secure its first second-round win.

For Pasig, key players Gabi Bade, LJ Miranda, and Lee Sario will be crucial as the team seeks to build on its recent victory and maintain its push for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.