Akari-Rizal on the brink of finals after Game 1 rout of RK Hoops

Akari-Rizal moved one win away from returning to the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Finals after overpowering RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT, 93-67, in Game 1 of their semifinal series on Sunday at the Parañaque Coliseum.

The Sparks wasted no time taking control, turning a 12-point first-quarter lead into a blowout after a decisive 19-1 run. Janine Pontejos sparked the surge with three straight triples, pushing Akari ahead 44-14 with just over half a minute left in the first half.

From there, Akari never let up, establishing early dominance in the best-of-three series backed by Aktive.

“We were able to jump on them early and dictate the tempo,” said head coach Derrick Pumaren. “But we cannot just rely on being ahead. We have to stick to our system.”

Pontejos led the charge with 24 points on six three-pointers, adding three assists in a standout performance. Mar Prado added 18 points and six rebounds, while Raiza Palmera-Dy posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists, along with four rebounds and two steals.

Allana Lim contributed seven points and four rebounds, while Camille Sambile and LJ Candelario chipped in six points each as the Sparks shot efficiently all game, finishing at 47 percent from the field and 42 percent from three while piling up 32 assists.

RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT struggled to keep pace despite the return of star forward Tantoy Ferrer, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 21 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in 35 minutes.

Jeorge Panti added a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds with five assists, but RK Hoops fell into a 0-1 series deficit.

Akari will try to clinch a finals berth in Game 2, while RK Hoops looks to force a deciding Game 3 when they meet again on July 11 at 6 p.m.