Yambing Leads Batangas to Dominant Win Over Parañaque

The Batangas City Tanduay Athletics stormed out of the gate in the second quarter with a 20-point surge, cruising to a commanding 91-53 victory over the Parañaque Patriots in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season nightcap on Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.

Ino Comboy ignited Batangas’ scoring spree, tallying 11 points through a jumper and three consecutive three-pointers. Rhinwill Yambing chipped in five points as the Athletics extended their lead, establishing a commanding 41-14 advantage with 3:48 remaining in the first half.

Making amends for the costly goaltending violation that contributed to a narrow loss against Cebu on April 22, Yambing delivered a standout performance with 25 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Jhan Nermal added 16 points and seven rebounds, while Comboy finished with 13 points, three boards, and two assists.

For Parañaque, Domark Matillano was the lone bright spot, contributing 17 points and five rebounds.

Batangas improved to 5-2 in the 28-team tournament, trailing only Caloocan (6-0), General Santos City (6-0), Quezon Province (3-0), Ilagan Isabela (5-1), San Juan (4-1), and Abra (3-1).

In the other nightcap, Biñan cruised past Mindoro, 100-75, to boost their record to 4-3. Former UST standout Nic Cabanero posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Kenny Roger Rocacurva added 19 points and nine boards. Biñan built a massive 65-34 lead, with Pamboy Raymundo scoring 13 points and two steals, Michael Mabulac posting a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Marc Pingris contributing 12 points and five rebounds.

Mindoro fell to 2-4 despite JJ Caspe’s 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Bambam Gamalinda added 14 points and three boards, while Fil-Am Ashon Andrews chipped in 13 points and four rebounds.

Earlier, the Basilan Steel leaned on veteran John Wilson to secure an 86-78 win over Bulacan. Wilson, showing flashes of his 2019 MVP form, scored 21 points—including 10 in the fourth quarter—while adding 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, helping Basilan climb to 4-3. Jervy Cruz supported with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and Miles Canal contributed eight points and six rebounds.

Bulacan stayed competitive behind Andrei Acop’s 23 points, six assists, three rebounds, and two steals, with Benedict Benedictos scoring 16 points and Eugene Gonzales adding 12 points and six rebounds. Despite narrowing the gap to 73-70, Bulacan couldn’t stop an 11-3 Basilan run that sealed the game.

The MPBL resumes Tuesday at Ynares Center with Marikina Shoemasters facing Negros Muscovados at 4 p.m., Bacolod City of Smiles against Quezon Province at 6 p.m., and Bataan Risers battling Pasig City MCW Sports at 8 p.m.