Eight months into his professional career, Nic Cabañero has already etched his name in the MPBL’s history books.
Fresh off a decorated college stint with the University of Santo Tomas, the 22-year-old rookie made headlines with one of the greatest performances in Philippine basketball history—a 53-point, 22-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double in Biñan Tatak Gel 121-79 rout of Pasig City on Thursday at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The Cebu native’s career-defining performance broke the previous MPBL single-game scoring record, previously set by Jeff Viernes’ 50-ball in 2023. It is also the first 50-piece by a Filipino in the pro circuit since Arvin Tolentino, then playing for the NorthPort Batang Pier (now Titan Ultra Giant Risers) scored a career-high 51 points in a 135-109 win over the Converge FiberXers on August 29, 2024, during the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
The 6-foot-2 combo guard also broke the record for the most field goals made by a player in a single game, shooting a remarkable 23-for-33 from the field, and 41% from deep. More broadly, Cabañero’s 50-20-10 is the first of its kind in local basketball as there has been no documented stat line of that nature until Thursday night. Prior to this, Ramon Fernandez’s 44 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists for the Beer Hausen Brewmasters in a 122-117 overtime victory over Northern Consolidated in 1984 was the gold standard of triple-doubles in local hoops. Now, it will sit alongside Cabañero’s own prolific outing.
“I just want to thank my coaches, my teammates for this win… They pushed me to get that record. I really gave my best,” Cabañero said postgame. “I know Pasig is a good team as well. We really don’t underestimate our opponents. This is a testament to our game, coming for the playoffs,” he added.
Cabañero Ignites Biñan’s Momentum Entering Postseason
With the victory, Biñan concluded their elimination round with a 21-4 slate, topping the league’s South Division.
The Laguna-based squad will still have to wait, however, as four more teams are set to battle in the play-in tournament to finalize the playoff picture.
Following a disappointing end to their 2025 campaign with a South Division finals loss to the Quezon Huskers, the Tatak Gel are now searing with momentum after Cabañero’s record-breaker, and the illustrious championship trophy may be theirs for the taking.
