Tamaraws and Kuyas Climb Standings with Key Wins

Mindoro and Bulacan notched crucial victories on Friday at the Victory Coliseum in San Rafael, Bulacan, making strides in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 season.

Under new head coach Egay Macaraya, the Tamaraws edged the Basilan Steel, 83-75, in the second game of the triple-header. Meanwhile, the Kuyas, fueled by their home crowd, defeated Manila Batang Quiapo, 85-78, in the nightcap.

Mindoro, led by Bambam Gamalinda and JC Recto, built an 82-68 lead before Basilan mounted a late surge. John Byron Villarias completed a four-point play, and Jayvee Casio hit a triple to bring Basilan within 82-75 with 41.5 seconds remaining.

The Tamaraws improved to 3-4, with Gamalinda contributing 17 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two blocks, while Recto added a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, along with two assists. Basilan fell to 4-4 despite strong efforts from John Wilson, who posted 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, and Villarias, who also scored 20 points with six rebounds.

Bulacan relied on hometown standout Jeremy Cruz, who finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists, and Mart James Barrera, who added 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, to improve to 3-4. San Ildefonso’s Andre Acop chipped in 10 points, four assists, four steals, three rebounds, and two blocks, while Malolos’ Benedict Benedictos added 10 points and three boards.

Manila fell to 1-6 despite Mark Doligon’s 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, John Ashley Faa’s 18 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, and Alfred Sedillo’s 10 points and seven rebounds.