Yambing, Nermal power Batangas past Quezon for eighth straight win

Batangas City Tanduay Athletics extended their winning streak to eight games after edging the Quezon Huskers, 65-62, on Thursday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Batangas appeared to be in control despite managing only six points in the fourth quarter, but a late turnover by Ino Comboy with 10.5 seconds left gave Quezon a chance to steal the game. The Huskers, however, failed to take advantage after Christian Pagaran's pass was intercepted by Jhan Nermal, who was fouled immediately.

Nermal converted both free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining to give Batangas a three-point cushion. Quezon had one final possession, but Judel Fuentes missed a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired.

The win lifted Batangas to 12-2, overtaking Quezon (9-2) in the South Division standings. The Athletics now sit second behind Gensan (13-2) in the race for the division's top spot.

Rhinwill Yambing was named Best Player of the Game after finishing with 17 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Nermal matched Yambing's 17-point output while adding seven rebounds and two steals.

Dawn Ochea, who scored Batangas' only field goal in the fourth quarter, contributed six points alongside Abdul Sawat and Mark Cruz.

Quezon had a chance to level the score at 63-all with 32.7 seconds left, but Cyrus Tabi failed to convert the second of three free throws after drawing a foul from Nermal.

The Huskers, seeking to defend their back-to-back South Division titles, raced to a 17-7 lead behind consecutive three-pointers from Fuentes and Tabi. Batangas answered through Nermal, Yambing, Ochea, and Comboy to tie the contest at 21-all before unleashing a decisive 20-5 run, fueled by Yambing and Sawat, to build a 43-30 advantage.

Fuentes led Quezon with 17 points and four rebounds. Cedric Manzano posted a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds while adding five assists and three steals, while Jolo Manansala finished with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Earlier, the San Juan Knights cruised to a 106-78 victory over the Marikina Shoemasters to extend their winning streak to nine games and strengthen their bid for the North Division's top playoff seed.

San Juan had seven players score in double figures and led by as many as 36 points, 104-68, improving to 11-1. The Knights pulled level with Abra Solid North and remained within striking distance of league-leading Caloocan (14-1).

Dexter Maiquez paced San Juan with 16 points and seven rebounds. Reyland Torres scored 12 points, while Patrick Sleat, Gerry Abadiano, and Kenneth Villapando chipped in 11 points each. Orlan Wamar and Harold Alarcon also finished in double figures with 10 points apiece.

Marikina slipped to 5-10, with Jeepy Faundo and Deo Timajo leading the team with 12 points each.