Bataan Risers 83, Pasig City 75 — The Bataan Risers leaned on a balanced offensive attack and a strong second-half push to defeat Pasig City 83-75 in a Philippines MPBL matchup on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga.

The home victory gave Bataan an important result in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) playoff race, while Pasig City left the road trip with a hard-fought loss after staying within striking distance for most of the night. Bataan led 40-34 at halftime and then created just enough separation in the third and fourth quarters to close out the eight-point win.

Match Overview

Bataan controlled the tempo early, using its home crowd and interior defense to build a narrow first-quarter lead. Pasig City kept the game close with timely three-point shooting and transition baskets, but the Risers consistently answered with second-chance points and free throws down the stretch.

• Final score: Bataan Risers 83, Pasig City 75
• League: Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)
• Date and time: September 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
• Venue: Bataan People’s Center, Balanga, Bataan
• Quarter scores: 21-18, 40-34, 61-55, 83-75

Bataan’s win was built on a complete team effort rather than one dominant scoring outburst. The Risers finished with four players in double figures and won the rebounding battle, which helped them survive Pasig’s best runs. The final margin reflected Bataan’s ability to execute in the half court when the game tightened in the fourth quarter.

How Bataan Built the Win

The Risers set the tone on the defensive end. They contested Pasig’s perimeter looks, forced difficult mid-range attempts, and limited easy baskets in transition. That defense translated into offense, especially in the third quarter, when Bataan went on a decisive run to turn a six-point halftime lead into a more comfortable cushion.

Bataan also did the little things well. The Risers grabbed key offensive rebounds, drew fouls on drives to the basket, and knocked down enough free throws to keep Pasig from completing a late comeback. Their bench provided a meaningful spark, outscoring the Pasig reserves and giving the starters valuable rest during a physical MPBL contest.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Bataan jumped ahead 21-18 behind early inside scoring and aggressive defense.
• Second quarter: The Risers stretched the lead to 40-34 at halftime, capitalizing on Pasig turnovers and second-chance opportunities.
• Third quarter: Bataan’s biggest push came after the break, as the lead reached double digits before Pasig fought back to 61-55.
• Fourth quarter: Pasig cut the deficit to four points, but Bataan responded with an 8-0 run to seal the 83-75 victory.

Standout Players

For Bataan: Mark Villamor led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, controlling the game from the backcourt. Christian Palma added 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Ryan Costelo chipped in 14 points, including four three-pointers. Their combined production gave Bataan the offensive balance it needed to hold off Pasig.

For Pasig City: Dave Moralde scored a game-high 21 points and kept Pasig within reach with tough shot-making. John Escalona finished with 15 points and eight assists, while Paolo Reyes added 12 points and six rebounds. Pasig’s guards created problems at times, but the team could not string together enough stops in the final five minutes.

Pasig City’s Fight

Pasig City deserves credit for making the game uncomfortable for Bataan. Even after falling behind by double digits in the third quarter, Pasig kept attacking the rim and found open shooters on kick-outs. Moralde’s scoring and Escalona’s playmaking kept the visitors alive, and a late run made it a four-point game before Bataan pulled away again.

In the end, Pasig’s comeback fell short because of missed free throws and a few empty possessions in crunch time. The loss was a frustrating one, but the performance showed the team can compete with playoff-caliber opposition in the MPBL.

What It Means in the MPBL Standings

The result strengthens Bataan’s position in the MPBL standings and gives the Risers a valuable head-to-head edge in any potential tiebreaker scenarios. For Pasig City, the defeat is a missed opportunity to gain ground in the playoff race, though the team remains within reach of the postseason picture with plenty of basketball still to play.

Bataan’s ability to win at home will be crucial as the season progresses. The Risers have shown they can grind out low-margi