Chauca’s clutch triple lifts Quezon City over Basilan in thrilling escape

Val Chauca made an immediate impact in his Quezon City Black Bulls debut.

The Filipino-Peruvian guard drilled a game-winning three-pointer with just 6.3 seconds remaining, lifting Quezon City past Basilan Steel, 83-80, in a tightly contested Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season match on Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Basilan had two opportunities to send the game to overtime, but veterans John Wilson and Jervy Cruz both missed rushed corner threes, allowing the Black Bulls to improve to 7-5 in the elimination round of the 28-team tournament.

The 31-year-old Chauca, a former Adamson Soaring Falcon acquired from Valenzuela City, finished with 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds to earn Best Player honors. Jake Agoncillo added 10 points and four rebounds for Quezon City in a game where neither team led by more than nine points.

Quezon City erased a 61-70 deficit with a crucial 17-6 run to take an 78-76 lead with 3:37 left. Basilan, still adjusting after adding five new players, dropped to 5-7.

Wilson paced Basilan with 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Newcomer Mark Sangco contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Jervy Cruz added 13 points and five boards.

**In other results:**

**Pasig City** cruised past Rizal XentroMall, 92-65, while **Bataan** dominated Bacolod, 113-62.

Bataan lit it up from beyond the arc, knocking down 18 three-pointers en route to the blowout win and improving to 5-7. Gary David led the charge with 16 points (including four triples), while Chito Jaime, Hance Lleva, Robbi Darang, and Alex Ramos all reached double figures.

Bacolod fell to 3-11, with Ian Melencio leading the way with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Pasig jumped to 7-3 after pulling away early, leading 55-30 at halftime. Michael Lambino, a standout recruit from the University of Luzon, exploded for 20 points and 11 rebounds in the second half and was named Best Player.

The MPBL continues on Friday at the One Arena in Cainta, with games featuring Paranaque vs Imus (4 p.m.), Iloilo vs Marikina (6 p.m.), and Meycauayan vs Abra (8 p.m.).