Author: John Michael Decierdo Agustin
Photo Credit: MPBL
Caloocan, PHILIPPINES – In the final straws of the 29-team elimination round of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), right in front of their home crowd, No.5 Caloocan stunned No.1 San Juan, as the Batang Kankaloo gave the Knights their second loss in the season at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The matchup ended in a nail-biter, after a clutch basket from Gabby Espinas with nine-tenths of a second left, sealed the deal for Caloocan. It was Joco Tayongtong, however, who was named the Best Player of the night. Tayongtong delivered 18 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals while Espinas with 11 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks, as well as the much-needed two points to take the upset dub over Caloocan. Rommel Calahat also contributed with 16 points and 6 rebounds.
On the other hand, San Juan, now 26-2, still keeps the No.1 spot in the North despite the loss. Orlan Wamar Jr. tallied 22 huge points, 5 dimes, 4 boards, and 3 picked pockets. Dexter Maiquez also helped with an 11-point and 12-rebound double-double.
Another Highlight Of The Night: Richard Albo’s Career-High 40 Points
The two bottom seeds in the South, Imus and Bacolod, finally met this season. The Drones, however, took down the City of Smiles, 130-127, behind Richard Albo’s emphatic scoring outburst. The 6-foot-2 veteran finished with a career-high 40 points, topped with 3 assists and 12 rebounds. Backing him is Jameson Hiro, who put up 35 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals, including the game-winning three.
Meanwhile, five Bacolod players scored more than 15 points during the game: Ian Pardo (25), Alfred Sedillo (23), Danny Marilao (21), Jose Frederic Antiporda (18), and Louie Vigil (17).
Imus closed the season with a 2-26 record, while Bacolod stayed at the bottom of the standings with 1-27.
The matchup between Imus and Bacolod marks the highest combined scoring game since Sarangani and Nueva Ecija (134-133) in July 2023.
The Scores:
- Imus Agimat VA Drones vs. Bacolod City of Smiles (130-127)
- Pasay Voyagers vs. Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (64-63)
- Caloocan Batang Kankaloo vs. San Juan Knights (79-78)
