2026 Palarong Pambansa: Davao routs Ilocos by 62 points to open title defense bid

AGUSAN DEL SUR — Davao Region launched its title defense in dominant style, crushing Ilocos Region with a 96-34 victory in the secondary boys basketball event of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa at the EOC Evacuation Center in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Davao Region, which clinched its breakthrough gold medal last year by beating Western Visayas in the finals, dominated right from the get-go and never looked back to stun Ilocos Region.

Gian Bulasa led the way with 18 points and Al Damag chipped in 14 markers as holdovers Rene Baterbonia and Macky Pelegrino had four points apiece in the 62-point blowout.

Davao will look to keep its momentum going on Tuesday, when it takes on Eastern Visayas at 1 p.m.

—JKC, GMA News