Akari-Rizal rolls into Finals, books title rematch with Batangas

Akari-Rizal secured its place in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Finals after dismantling RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT, 102-65, in Game 2 of their semifinal series on Wednesday at the Parañaque Coliseum.

Coming off a convincing Game 1 victory, the Sparks completed the two-game sweep in emphatic fashion to arrange a championship rematch against defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire.

Akari-Rizal took control early and carried a 43-31 lead into halftime before erupting in the second half, where it outscored RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT, 59-34. The Sparks eventually built a game-high 39-point cushion in the closing seconds to seal another dominant win.

"Well, I was not happy in the first half. I was not happy with the way we played in the first half," said Akari-Rizal head coach Derrick Pumaren.

"That's why I was telling them that we cannot play the way we're playing against Batangas. For us, we just have to stay sharp, and we have to run what we're supposed to run because kanina parang wala kaming intensity. But in the second half, we came out with a different energy," he added.

The Sparks showcased their depth with six players scoring in double figures. Mar Prado led the balanced attack with 15 points and five rebounds, while Janine Pontejos contributed 14 points.

Shemiah Abatayo chipped in 13 points and seven assists, and Raiza Palmera-Dy recorded a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists as Akari-Rizal stretched its winning streak to nine games dating back to the elimination round.

Stef Ventura and Camille Sambile added 10 points and six rebounds apiece, while Allana Lim finished with eight points.

The Sparks will now face Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire in a much-anticipated best-of-three Finals rematch, with Game 1 set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Tantoy Ferrer paced RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Caryl Molina added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Despite the semifinal defeat, RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT remains in contention for a podium finish and will battle Biñan-Tatak Gel in the bronze medal series, which also begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.