Akari-Rizal Bounces Back with Dominant Win Over RK Hoops

After suffering their first defeat at the hands of defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire, Akari-Rizal made a statement with an emphatic 84-51 victory over RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) on Wednesday at MRB Gymnasium.

The Sparks’ defense proved impenetrable, limiting RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT to single-digit scoring in both the second and third quarters, fueling a 33-point triumph that lifted their record to 3-1 and tied them with the Valkyries for second place.

“After a loss, what matters most is how we respond,” said Akari-Rizal head coach Derrick Pumaren. “The team showed great resilience. We prepared well for RK, and our defense really held strong.”

Jhenn Angeles starred with 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Mar Prado contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to lead the Sparks. Raiza Palmera-Dy added eight points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and LJ Candelario also posted eight points with four rebounds. Allana Lim chipped in six points, five rebounds, and three assists.

With a 56-34 lead entering the fourth quarter, Akari-Rizal surged ahead on an 18-0 run sparked by Prado and Candelario, keeping RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT scoreless for over four minutes to extend the margin to 74-34. Camille Sambile capped the domination with a three-pointer that made it 80-38 with 4:22 left, giving the Sparks a 42-point advantage at their largest lead.

RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT dropped to 1-4 after their third straight loss. Tantoy Ferrer, returning after missing two games for Gilas Pilipinas duties, struggled against her former team, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting, nine rebounds, and four turnovers.