Biñan Tatak Gel Cruise Past Mindoro Tamaraws, 91-77, in MPBL Road Win

Biñan Tatak Gel delivered a statement performance in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on October 12, 2026, defeating the Mindoro Tamaraws 91-77 at the Tamaraws’ home floor. The road victory was built on balanced scoring, disruptive defense, and a decisive second-quarter run that gave Biñan control for good.

Biñan improved its playoff positioning with the win, while Mindoro was left searching for answers after another uneven offensive night. The final score reflected Biñan’s ability to execute in the half court and convert Mindoro’s mistakes into easy transition points.

Match Overview

Mindoro opened with energy in front of its home crowd, using early baskets inside to stay within striking distance. Biñan, however, settled quickly and began attacking the paint with purpose. By the end of the first quarter, Biñan held a 24-19 lead.

The second quarter is where the game shifted. Biñan tightened its defense, forced several hurried Mindoro possessions, and pushed the pace off rebounds. A 14-3 run midway through the period turned a close contest into a double-digit advantage. Biñan went into halftime ahead 47-38.

• First quarter: Biñan Tatak Gel 24, Mindoro Tamaraws 19
• Halftime: Biñan Tatak Gel 47, Mindoro Tamaraws 38
• End of third quarter: Biñan Tatak Gel 71, Mindoro Tamaraws 56
• Final score: Biñan Tatak Gel 91, Mindoro Tamaraws 77

Mindoro made a brief push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 10 points behind a flurry of perimeter shots and second-chance opportunities. But Biñan answered with poise, scoring on three straight possessions and never allowing the Tamaraws to make it a one-possession game.

Key Moments

The defining stretch came late in the second quarter. With Mindoro trailing 32-29, Biñan guard Paolo Hernandez sparked a fast break with a steal and finish, then followed it with a pull-up three-pointer on the next trip. That five-point swing forced a Mindoro timeout and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Early in the third quarter, Mindoro threatened again after a corner three trimmed the lead to eight. Biñan responded immediately with a 9-0 run, capped by a put-back dunk from Kim Medina. The burst pushed the lead to 58-41 and effectively put the game out of reach.

Mindoro’s best stretch came in the final six minutes, when Jomar Lascano and Alvin Sarmiento combined for 13 points. But Biñan’s half-court execution and free-throw shooting kept the comeback at arm’s length.

Tactical Story

Biñan Tatak Gel won this game with defense. The team mixed man-to-man pressure with a compact 2-3 zone that clogged the paint and dared Mindoro to shoot from the perimeter. The strategy worked: Mindoro finished the game shooting under 40% from the field and connected on just 6 of 26 attempts from beyond the arc.

Biñan also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Mindoro 48-39. That advantage limited second-chance points and allowed Biñan to control the tempo. Offensively, Biñan shared the ball well, finishing with 24 assists on 34 made field goals. The team’s extra passing consistently found open shooters and cutters against a Mindoro defense that struggled to rotate.

Mindoro’s half-court offense often stalled into isolation plays. When the Tamaraws did attack the rim, Biñan’s help defense arrived quickly, forcing contested shots or turnovers. Mindoro committed 18 turnovers, which Biñan converted into 23 points.

Standout Players

• Paolo Hernandez (Biñan Tatak Gel): 22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals. Hernandez controlled the pace and delivered the biggest shots of the game.
• Ryan Costelo (Biñan Tatak Gel): 18 points, 10 rebounds. A steady two-way presence who punished smaller defenders in the post.
• Kim Medina (Biñan Tatak Gel): 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks. Medina anchored the paint and altered numerous Mindoro drives.
• Marvin de Guzman (Biñan Tatak Gel): 11 points off the bench, including three timely three-pointers.
• Jomar Lascano (Mindoro Tamaraws): 19 points, 6 assists. Lascano kept Mindoro competitive with tough shot-making.
• Alvin Sarmiento (Mindoro Tamaraws): 16 points, 8 rebounds. Sarmiento was active on the offensive glass but lacked consistent support.
• Christian Bermudo (Mindoro Tamaraws): 12 points, 10 rebounds. A double-double effort in a losing cause.

MPBL Standings and Season Impact

The victory lifts Biñan Tatak Gel to 12-6 on the season, strengthening its case for a top-six seed in the MPBL playoff race. Biñan has now won four of its last five games, w