The Sarangani squad faced a tough defeat on Friday afternoon, falling to the Valenzuela Classic by a final score of 77–72 in a tightly contested Philippines MPBL showdown. The match, which tipped off at 4:00 PM local time on April 24, 2026, showcased strong defensive efforts from both sides, but it was Valenzuela who managed to pull away in the clutch moments to secure the road victory.

Game Overview

From the opening tip, the game had the feel of a playoff-intensity battle. Valenzuela came out with a clear game plan to contain Sarangani's interior offense, forcing them into difficult perimeter shots. The Sarangani team, playing on their home floor, responded with gritty defense of their own, keeping the score low and the game within reach throughout the first three quarters.

The turning point arrived in the final period. With the score tied at 66–66 with less than six minutes remaining, Valenzuela executed a decisive 9–2 run, built on transition baskets and a timely three-pointer. Sarangani fought back, cutting the lead to 73–72 with under a minute left, but a missed layup and a subsequent turnover allowed Valenzuela to ice the game at the free-throw line.

Key Performers

• Valenzuela Classic: The visitors were led by a balanced scoring attack. Their backcourt duo combined for 34 points, including 12 points in the fourth quarter. The team shot an efficient 82% from the free-throw line, which proved critical in the closing seconds.
• Sarangani: Despite the loss, Sarangani’s big man dominated the boards with 14 rebounds and added 18 points, providing a strong inside presence. However, the home team struggled from three-point range, connecting on just 4-of-18 attempts, which ultimately limited their ability to keep pace.

Season Standings Implications

With this result, Valenzuela Classic improves to a stronger position in the MPBL standings, solidifying their case as a contender in the league’s competitive landscape. For Sarangani, the loss is a missed opportunity to climb the ladder in the tightly packed standings, where every game carries significant weight as the season approaches the critical midpoint. The team will need to quickly regroup and address their perimeter shooting issues ahead of their next matchup.