Sarangani ACT10 may no longer be in the running for an outright playoff berth in the 2026 MPBL South Division, but the Marlins remain very much alive in the race for a play-in spot.

Leading the charge is team captain Migs Pascual, who has embraced the responsibility of setting the tone for the squad.

“As team captain, I know my job isn’t just to lead with my voice off the court but also through my performance on it,” the former Gilas Youth standout said.

“I have to set the standard every game and show my teammates that I’m ready to fight with them until the end.”

Pascual missed Sarangani’s July 14 matchup against Zamboanga, a 104-77 defeat that officially knocked the Marlins out of contention for an outright playoff berth.

Three days before his 25th birthday, the 6-foot guard returned to action and filled the stat sheet with six points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Despite his effort, Sarangani fell short against Basilan, 93-86.

(C) MPBL

Three days after celebrating his birthday, however, Pascual made sure the occasion ended on a high note. He erupted for 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting, knocking down seven three-pointers while adding six assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block and leading his side to a 113-92 victory over Manila.

It was his most complete performance of the season and the perfect way to cap off his birthday celebration.

“The best birthday gift I could ask for was a win. It’s always more fulfilling when the whole team gets to celebrate together because everyone’s sacrifices are rewarded,” he expressed.

The Marlins now sit at 4-16 with six games remaining in the elimination round.

Their focus has shifted to securing a play-in berth by winning as many of their remaining games as possible.

“My birthday wish is simple—to keep winning,” shared Pascual.

“If we take care of the games we have left, I believe we can still give ourselves a chance. That’s what we’re working for every day.”

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• Magic Stomers 64-74 JT Lady Jaguars (0-2)

JT Lady Jaguars win game two of the semifinals National Basketball League playoffs.

JT Lady Jaguars secured a well-deserved 74-64 victory against Magic Stomers in the NBL encounter at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.

The Lady Jaguars have taken control of the series after clinching game two in the best-of-five semifinal series.

Brenda Kayaga got the game underway with a 3-point jumpshot before Kur Ajah responded with a driving layup to set the tone.

Sarah Ageno’s three-point jumpshot concluded the first frame as the Lady Jaguars opened up a 15-point (27-12) lead

The Lady Jaguars kept the foot on the gas pedal opening a 28-point (51-23) lead going into the long break.

Coming from the long break, the Magic Stormers were more aggressive as the momentum swung taking the frame (19-11) but trailed by 20 points at the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, the Jaguars were limited to only 12 points but still held on to take home a 10-point victory.

Kur Ajah recorded a double-double, scoring 20 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. She was joined by Susan Eben with 13 points in double digits for the Stormers.

Maimuna Nabbosa (15 points), Mary Priscillar Nambogo (13 points) and Brenda Kayaga (10 points) led the Jaguars’ scoring chart in double digits.

The post NBL Playoffs: JT Lady Jaguars take control against Magic Stomers appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

NLEX took the solo lead in Group A following a convincing 110-96 victory over the erstwhile perfect San Miguel to extend its unbeaten run to four in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

In a game where they showed a bit of everything, the Road Warriors went on a tear in the second chapter, inflated the lead to its biggest at 25 in the third, and then displayed solid poise in the defining chapter to put the Beermen away.

Robert Bolick connected on a four, then came Robbie Herndon with a triple not long after as that 7-0 spurt pushed their lead back to 99-84 with 6:23 to go, and that proved to be enough to restore order after their foes cut the gap to eight.

DeQuan Jones took over afterward to lead the strong closeout as they went on to become the lone team without a loss thus far as the Beermen fell to 3-1.

In what’s becoming a trend since Coach Jimmy Alapag arrived, NLEX leaned on another balanced attack that saw a five finish in double figures

Jones himself led the way with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Deschon Winston finished with 24 points, four rebounds, and four assists as he triggered the 14-0 run in the second chapter for a 44-27 lead that set the tone for the rout.

Tony Semerad had 15 points as his long bombs helped put together the solid finish. Bolick came just short of a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists while Herndon added 13 markers to lead the bench mob.

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