Batac’s Buzzer-Beater Propels Pasig Past Basilan

Warlo James Batac sprinted down the court and nailed a buzzer-beating layup to give Pasig a thrilling 75-73 victory over Basilan on Thursday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season at One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.

The 6-foot-2 Batac, a standout recruit from Bulacan State University, redeemed himself after an earlier turnover that allowed Basilan’s Neil Owens to hit a three-pointer. With the game tied 73-all following John Wilson’s free throws with 5.5 seconds left, Batac delivered the game-winning finish.

Pasig narrowly escaped after surrendering a 53-30 lead but still secured its second win in three games during the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Homegrown star Jerome Galicia led the team with 18 points, while Jacob Galicia contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks to earn Best Player honors. Buenaventura Raflores added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Batac finished with 10 points, eight boards, four assists, and three steals.

For Basilan, now 3-3, John Wilson led with 16 points and six rebounds. John Byron Villarias added 12 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while Joshua Marcos and Neil Owens chipped in 11 points each.

Pasig dominated the glass, out-rebounding Basilan 49-39, and outscored them in second-chance points, 14-8, securing the edge despite a tense finish.

The MPBL action continues at One Arena on Friday, with Iloilo facing Quezon City at 4 p.m., Sarangani vs. Pasay at 6 p.m., and Imus taking on Cebu at 8 p.m.