Batangas-New Zealand edges Biñan, secures Finals berth

Defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire punched its ticket to the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Finals after escaping Biñan-Tatak Gel, 59-58, in Game 2 of their semifinal series on Wednesday at the Parañaque Coliseum.

Andrea Tongco came through in the clutch, burying the go-ahead three-pointer from the left corner with nine seconds remaining to put the Valkyries ahead, 59-58.

Biñan still had a chance to steal the win on its final possession, but Chack Cabinbin lost the ball after reigning MVP Afril Bernardino came up with a decisive steal, allowing Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire to complete the semifinal sweep.

“It was a back-and-forth game. Hats off to the Biñan coaching staff, Coach Jack (Azcueta), for having a really good game,” said Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva.

“But for us, the girls didn’t want to give up. It was all their effort, their hard work, especially Andrea Tongco, who hit that game-winning shot,” he added.

Bernardino once again anchored the defending champions with 15 points and 20 rebounds, while Tongco finished with 14 points, including the decisive basket.

Pringle Fabruada provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, while Snow Peñaranda recorded a double-double of 10 points and 18 rebounds.

Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire turned the game around with a suffocating defensive effort to open the fourth quarter, holding the Angels scoreless for the first 6:45 while unleashing an 11-0 run to erase a seven-point deficit and grab a 54-50 lead.

Biñan answered with an 8-2 burst to move back in front, 58-56, before Tongco knocked down the game-winning triple in the closing seconds.

The Valkyries now await the winner of the other semifinal series between Akari-Rizal and RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT in their bid to defend the championship.

Luisa San Juan paced the Angels with 12 points, while Angel Quinco and Monique Del Carmen added 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss.