Knights, Batang Kankaloo arrange semis clash

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan and Caloocan trounced their opponents on Tuesday to forge a semifinal collision in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season North Division at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo gunned down the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys,  83-72, while the San Juan Knights quelled the Bataan Risers’ final rally to prevail, 82-77.

Prized acquisition Kean Baclaan pumped in six points and fed Kymani Ladi for a two-handed jam as Caloocan pulled away, 73-57, en route to its second straight win over Ilagan Isabela, cutting short the best-of-three series.

Baclaan, the former heralded guard of the De La Salle Green Archers, notched 17 points, nine in the fourth quarter, three rebounds and three assists to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Chris Bitoon, who had 17 points, five assists and three steals; and Ladi, with 15 points, highlighted by a pair of two-handed slams, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

Caloocan, which also won the series opener, 81-76, drew 11 points and five rebounds from Jeff Manday, and 11 points and three rebounds from Dom Escobar.