Zamboanga Familys Brand Sardines Edge Quezon City Galeries Taipan in MPBL Thriller
The Zamboanga Familys Brand Sardines snatched an 85–84 victory over the Quezon City Galeries Taipan on July 23, 2026, in a nail-biting MPBL contest that came down to the final possession. Played at the Quezon City venue, the game delivered high drama as the visiting team completed a late comeback to steal the win on the road.
Fast Start for Quezon City
The Galeries Taipan came out firing in front of their home crowd. Led by veteran guard Jake Valenzuela, Quezon City built a double-digit lead in the first quarter, using crisp ball movement and aggressive drives to the basket. Forward Carlos Medina had eight points in the opening period, and the home side led 27–18 after one.
Second Quarter Surge by Zamboanga
Zamboanga Familys Brand Sardines responded in the second quarter with improved defense and bench production. Guard Rico Santos sparked a 12–2 run, scoring off steals and in transition. By halftime, Zamboanga trimmed the deficit to 46–44, setting up a tense second half.
Back-and-Forth Third Quarter
The third quarter featured five lead changes as both teams traded blows. Quezon City’s big man Miguel Cruz dominated inside with post moves and offensive rebounds, but Zamboanga’s shooting guard Daniel Fernandez answered with three consecutive three-pointers. The period ended with Quezon City holding a slim 68–66 advantage.
Final Minute Drama
The fourth quarter was a defensive struggle, with neither team able to pull away. With 1:30 remaining, Quezon City led 82–79 after a step-back jumper by Valenzuela. Zamboanga’s Rico Santos then converted a driving layup and drew a foul, making the free throw to tie the game at 82 with 50 seconds left. After a Quezon City turnover, Zamboanga’s Mark delos Reyes sank a 15-foot jumper to give the Sardines an 84–82 lead with 18 seconds on the clock.
Quezon City quickly advanced the ball and found Jake Valenzuela for a contested three-pointer. The shot rimmed out, but Carlos Medina grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled with 1.2 seconds remaining. Medina made the first free throw but missed the second, tying the game at 84. Zamboanga secured the rebound and called timeout. On the inbounds play, the ball found Rico Santos in the corner, who pump-faked, stepped into a 12-footer, and banked it in as the buzzer sounded, giving Zamboanga an 85–84 victory.
Key Performances
- Rico Santos (Zamboanga): 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists – including the game-winner
- Daniel Fernandez (Zamboanga): 18 points, 6 three-pointers
- Jake Valenzuela (Quezon City): 20 points, 7 assists
- Carlos Medina (Quezon City): 16 points, 9 rebounds
MPBL Standings Impact
The win improves Zamboanga Familys Brand Sardines’ record to 16–8, keeping them in contention near the top of the MPBL South Division. Quezon City Galeries Taipan falls to 14–10, but remains in playoff position in the North Division. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the second half of the season, a matchup that will now carry extra anticipation after this dramatic finish.