Johore Hold Off PDRM 87-78 in Malaysia MABA Cup Battle

Johore delivered a sharp, balanced performance to beat PDRM 87-78 in the Malaysia MABA Cup on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. In a game that was tied at halftime, Johore seized control with a dominant third quarter and then held their nerve down the stretch to close out a deserved nine-point victory.

The result gives Johore an important boost in the MABA Cup race, while PDRM are left to regroup after a fighting but ultimately frustrating night. With the final score reading 87-78, the match reflected the kind of physical, fast-paced basketball that has come to define the modern MABA Cup schedule.

Match Overview

• Final score: Johore 87, PDRM 78
• Competition: Malaysia MABA Cup
• Date: October 13, 2026
• Tip-off: 8:00 PM
• Quarter scores: Johore 23-19, 18-22, 26-16, 20-21
• Halftime: 41-41
• End of third quarter: Johore 67, PDRM 57

Johore’s win was built on a complete team effort rather than a single scoring explosion. They shared the ball, attacked the offensive glass, and made the extra pass against a PDRM defense that had kept them within reach through the opening two quarters.

How the Game Unfolded

Johore started with intent, pushing the tempo early and finding good looks in transition. A 23-19 first quarter gave them a narrow advantage, but PDRM responded well in the second period. The police side tightened their half-court defense, forced Johore into contested jumpers, and used their own fast-break opportunities to level the game at 41-41 by halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. Johore came out of the locker room with renewed energy, moving the ball side to side and attacking the paint with purpose. A 26-16 run in that period turned a tied game into a 67-57 lead, and from there Johore had the cushion they needed. PDRM continued to compete in the fourth, but every time they threatened to cut the deficit to single digits, Johore found an answer — usually through a timely three-pointer or a strong drive to the rim.

Key Moments

• Halftime deadlock: PDRM’s second-quarter push made it 41-41, setting up a tense second half.
• Third-quarter surge: Johore outscored PDRM 26-16 in the third, turning the game in their favor.
• Clutch fourth-quarter defense: Johore forced several late turnovers and limited PDRM’s second-chance points.
• Free-throw composure: Johore knocked down key free throws in the final minutes to keep PDRM at arm’s length.

The decisive stretch came midway through the third quarter, when Johore went on a 12-2 run. That burst forced PDRM into a timeout, but the momentum had already shifted. Johore’s guards controlled the pace from that point, and their big men protected the defensive glass to deny PDRM easy put-backs.

Standout Players

Johore were led by an efficient backcourt display. Arif Zulkifli finished with a game-high 24 points, adding 7 assists and 4 rebounds, while Hafiz Ramli controlled the interior with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Syafiq Azman contributed 14 points and 5 assists, and Daniel Tan added 11 points off the bench. Johore’s balance was reflected in their 20 team assists and 42 rebounds.

For PDRM, Khairul Anuar top-scored with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Amirul Hakim chipped in 16 points and 6 assists. Zulkarnain Ismail added 13 points, and Fauzi Rahman scored 10. PDRM shot the ball reasonably well from the perimeter, but 14 turnovers and a 36-42 rebounding deficit proved costly.

Tactical Story

Johore’s defensive adjustments after halftime were the story of the match. They switched between man-to-man and a compact zone, crowding PDRM’s primary ball handlers and forcing them into late shot-clock decisions. On offense, Johore repeatedly attacked the elbows and baseline, drawing help defenders before kicking out to open shooters.

PDRM’s best moments came when they played through Khairul Anuar in the post and used quick ball reversals to open driving lanes. However, Johore’s rotations were quicker in the second half, and PDRM struggled to generate clean looks when the game tightened. The rebounding battle also favored Johore, giving them extra possessions at critical moments.

What It Means in the MABA Cup

This 87-78 result is more than just a single win for Johore. In the context of the Malaysia MABA Cup standings, it strengthens their position and adds momentum to their campaign. For PDRM, the loss is a setback, but their second-quarter fight showed they can compete with the competition’s stronger side