Knights torch Batang Quiapo

Streaking San Juan led throughout and trounced Manila Batang Quiapo, 88-61, to share the lead in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila on Thursday.

Powered by Michael Calisaan, the San Juan Knights cruised to their ninth straight win and raised their record to 18-1, the same as the Abra Solid North Weavers and the Nueva Ecija Vanguards in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Calisaan posted 19 points and six rebounds, followed by AC Soberano with 11 points and two steals, Nikko Panganiban with 10 points, and Dexter Maiquez with eight points and five rebounds.

Manila fell to 2-18 despite Alfred Sedillo’s 23-point, seven-rebound effort.

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys also extended their hot streak with an 80-66 thumping of the Cebu Greats earlier.

Riding on a balanced offense, the Cowboys led by as far as 77-57 en route to their fourth consecutive victory and an 11-8 slate.

Jayboy Solis notched 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, Mark Dyke 11 points, all in the fourth quarter, and Joshua Guiab 11 points, four rebounds and two assists for the Cowboys, who are bidding to make the playoffs in their maiden stint.

Donald Gumaru and Allan Santos contributed nine points each, while Mark dela Cruz, returning after a two-month absence, chipped in five points and five rebounds in just 6:48 of play.

Meanwhile, the Quezon Huskers led all the way and subdued the Bacolod Tubo Slashers, 85-74, in the opener.

Powered by Gab Banal, LJ Gonzales and Vince Magbuhos, the Huskers surged ahead at 59-39 and rose to 16-3.

Banal chalked up 13 points and three rebounds to clinch the Best Player honors over Gonzales with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals, and Magbuhos 12 points and three rebounds.