The fancied Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines could only make 6 of 18 rainbow attempts for a 33.3 percent rate and 18 points, while the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo drilled in 14 of 23 triple efforts for a 60.9 percent conversion and 42 points that determined the match.

Joco Tayongtong, a former resident of Quezon City, scored 20 points in less than 20 minutes (19:28) of play by making 8 out of 10 field goals, including two triples. He was entitled the game’s top player.

Alejandro Inigo shot three for four and Jeramer Cabanag went perfect four for four from beyond the arc to highlight Caloocan’s strong shooting during its debut appearance in the 29-team tournament this season.

Coach Ronnie Dojillo of Caloocan finished with 16 points from Cabanag and 9 from Inigo.

In order to shock the Zamboanguenos, losers of the 2023 MPBL Preseason Invitationals and last year’s losing national finalists, Gabby Espinas scored 13 points, including a triple, and Reil Cervantes added 10 points, including two triples. The Zamboanguenos had been down by as many as 20 points, 57-77.

Jaycee Marcelino contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for Zamboanga, and Adrian Santos contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Previously, Dave Arana was picked earlier by Makati OKBet to defeat the Paranaque Patriots by a score of 76-65.

The Makati OKBet Kings, who won their inaugural game of the year, pulled away at 70-52 thanks to Arana’s 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.

With 9 points each, RJ Ramirez, a former member of Bacoor, and Marco Sario, a native of the area, assisted Arana.

With only Jemal Vizcarra reaching double digits with 11, the Patriots dropped to 1-2.

The Muntinlupa Cagers defeated Laguna, 70-62, in the first game to earn their third straight victory.

Muntinlupa was led by Ian Melencio, a former Bacoor player, with 10 points, King Destacamento, a former San Sebastian College player, with 11, and Ichie Altamirano, a former Bacoor player, with 17.