MANILA — Defending South Division powerhouse Quezon Huskers flexed their dominance anew after dismantling the struggling Iloilo United Royals, 87-50, to stretch their winning streak to five games in the 2026 SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Huskers imposed their will from the opening quarter and never looked back, unleashing a devastating 17-0 blast behind Cedrick Manzano and John Abate to blow the game wide open at 67-39 and bury the United Royals in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.
Back-to-back South Division champions Quezon continued to strengthen its playoff drive, trailing only unbeaten squads Caloocan Batang Kankaloo and Gensan Warriors, both carrying pristine 8-0 records.
Chris Lalata emerged as Player of the Game after delivering a gritty double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds on top of two assists for the Huskers.
Manzano added 12 points and six rebounds, while Judel Fuentes chipped in 11 markers, three rebounds and two assists. Gab Banal and Dom Vera contributed eight points apiece.
Kyt Jimenez was the lone bright spot for the slumping Iloilo side after finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Quezon already seized control at halftime, 46-30, despite Iloilo managing to outscore the Huskers, 22-17, in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, the Gensan Warriors stayed unbeaten after torching the Negros Hacienderos, 102-74, to force a share of the league lead.
Holding only a slim five-point halftime edge, the Warriors erupted in the third quarter behind Nelo Santos, Adi Santos and Hesed Gabo to build a commanding 74-51 cushion and secure their eighth straight win.
The 6-foot-1 Santos, a former University of Makati standout, scored nine of his 12 points in the pivotal third period, while Adi Santos and Gabo scored six each of their 14 points as Gensan overwhelmed Negros, 34-16, in the quarter./PN
