Reinforced Caloocan thwarted Muntinlupa, 74-66, in the nightcap on Saturday to join Abra and Batangas in the early lead of the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Preseason Invitational at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The Abra Solid North Weavers coasted to a 102-88 victory over the Sarangani 10ACT Marlins in the opener, while the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters followed suit with a 77-60 conquest of the Bataan Risers.
Bolstered by coveted veterans Rob Celiz and Eric Camson, gunner Jielo Razon, and touted rookie Kean Baclaan, the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo bunched 12 points to break free 66-53, midway through the fourth quarter.
Celiz, a four-time MPBL All-Star, posted 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal to earn the Best Player honors over mainstay Chris Bitoon, who tallied 11 points, four steals, three rebounds and two assists.
Rommel Calahat contributed nine points, while Baclaan, a former De La Salle University star, got going in the second half and finished with eight points, six rebounds and six assists in his professional debut.
Camson, former main man of Rizal Province, Jammer Jamito and Razon chipped in eight points each for the Batang Kankaloo, regarded as a strong contender in the coming 2026 MPBL Eighth Season.