Bernardino leads Bluefire surge as Valkyries force deciding Game 3

Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire kept its championship hopes alive with a statement performance, overpowering Akari-Rizal, 83-60, on Sunday night at Paco Arena to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Finals.

Facing elimination, the defending champions quickly erased any doubts after the Sparks opened the game with the first five points. The Valkyries responded with a blistering 26-4 run to end the first quarter, building a 26-9 lead and taking control of the contest.

Batangas-New Zealand continued to dictate the pace in the succeeding quarters, steadily widening the gap. A jumper from Charmine Torres just five seconds into the final period pushed the advantage to 30 points, 71-41, effectively sealing the outcome.

"We didn't give up. Our backs were against the wall, and our character showed. That's the heart of a champion," said Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva after the victory.

Villanueva also praised the contributions of his players beyond the box score, highlighting the efforts of Rizza Lozada, Chris Bariquit, and Queenie Aquino in helping the team stay alive.

"The girls didn't want to give up. They worked hard, and the others stepped up. In any series, you need someone to rise to the occasion, and they did tonight," he added.

Fresh from receiving her third Aktive tournament MVP award, Afril Bernardino delivered a dominant performance to carry the Valkyries, posting 24 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals.

Camille Claro provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, while Patricia Peñaranda and Khate Castillo added 10 and nine points, respectively.

Akari-Rizal struggled to find its rhythm, with Allana Lim emerging as the team's lone standout. Lim recorded a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Mar Prado, Janine Pontejos, and Jhenn Angeles each contributed nine points, while Raiza Palmera-Dy was held to four points and seven rebounds.

With the series tied at 1-1, the championship will be decided in a winner-take-all Game 3 between Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire and Akari-Rizal on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Parañaque Coliseum.