Balanced Rizal rolls past Bulacan for third straight win

The Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers leaned on a balanced offensive effort to defeat the Bulacan Kuyas, 84-70, on Tuesday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Veterans JP Sarao and Billy Robles spearheaded six Rizal players who finished in double figures as the Golden Coolers pulled away in the second half to notch their third consecutive victory and improve to 9-5 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 27-team tournament.

Sarao, a 2024 MPBL All-Star, posted 12 points and nine rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors, while Robles, known as the "Ilonggo Superman," added 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Rizal also controlled the boards, outrebounding Bulacan, 48-37, and translated that advantage into a 44-34 edge in points inside the paint.

Jolo Mendoza knocked down three triples on his way to 11 points and three rebounds. JP Maguliano contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Alwyn Alday tallied 10 points, five steals, and three rebounds. Marco Balagtas also chipped in 10 points and four rebounds.

The victory strengthened Rizal's hold on sixth place in the South Division standings.

Bulacan, meanwhile, absorbed its third straight defeat to fall to 4-10, dropping to 12th in the North Division and dealing another blow to its playoff aspirations.

Airohn Acop led the Kuyas with 17 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Jeremy Cruz added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

The MPBL resumes on Wednesday at the One Arena in Cainta, where Sarangani battles Negros at 6 p.m. before Valenzuela faces Marikina at 8 p.m.