Black Bulls rediscover rhythm, rout Hacienderos to stay in playoff hunt

Tiger Scores365

Quezon City left little doubt from the opening tip, turning a crucial bounce-back opportunity into one of its most dominant performances of the season.

The Black Bulls overwhelmed Negros, 120-87, on Wednesday in the MPBL 2026 Season at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, keeping themselves firmly in the race for a North Division playoff berth.

Fueled by balanced scoring and relentless ball movement, Quezon City had six players score in double figures and built a lead that ballooned to 41 points before cruising to its ninth victory against 10 defeats in the 27-team tournament.

Ryan Costelo led the offensive explosion with 22 points, while MJ Joson orchestrated the attack with a superb triple-double of 17 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds to go along with three steals.

Fresh off a heartbreaking one-point loss to Zamboanga SiKat, Joson said the team was determined to respond.

"I'm grateful for the trust given to me by Coach JV Ochea and my teammates," he said. "We worked hard to bounce back after our tough 84-85 loss to Zamboanga SiKat on July 23."

Jessie Sumoda provided 14 points and six rebounds, Kobe Monje tallied 13 points, six assists, and four rebounds, Val Chauca flirted with a triple-double of his own with 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Carmel Espinosa added 11 points and nine boards.

Negros, meanwhile, continued to struggle despite strong individual performances from Michael Alvarez, who finished with 25 points, and Reymar Caduyac, who contributed 23. The Hacienderos fell to 1-17, the league's worst record.

Attention now shifts to Thursday's action at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, where one of the most anticipated games of the elimination round takes center stage.

South Division leader Quezon Province collides with North Division powerhouse San Juan in a battle between two championship contenders. The Huskers carry a 13-2 record, while the Knights enter at 15-1.

The contest will also serve as an emotional sendoff for San Juan guard Gerry Abadiano, who is set to continue his professional career with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League. The Knights have also bid farewell to center Mike Phillips, who recently signed with a club in Japan's B.League.

Also on Thursday's schedule, Basilan faces Manila at 3 p.m., before Cebu squares off against Marikina at 5 p.m.