Top playoffs qualifier San Juan tests the mettle of Caloocan at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Although the game has no bearing for the Knights (26 wins, 1 loss), it is significant for the Batang Kankaloo (17-9) as they could still dislodge the Manila SV Batang Sampaloc Stars (18-8) at the fourth spot in the North Division of the 29-team tournament.

That is, for Caloocan to stun San Juan and prevail against also-ran Sarangani in its last assignment in the eliminations.

Even then, Caloocan must also wish that Manila drops its last two games for it to snatch fourth and gain the homecourt edge in the best-of-three division playoffs.

If Manila wins once, Caloocan will be relegated to the fifth spot as the Stars nipped the Batang Kankaloo, 69-66, in their first encounter this year.

In other games, also-ran teams Bacolod and Imus clash at 4 p.m., while qualifiers Pasay (17-10) and Nueva Ecija (24-3) collide at 6 p.m.

Nueva Ecija is assured of the No. 3 slot in the North playoffs.