GenSan outlasts Pasig in one-point MPBL thriller

The GenSan Warriors withstood a furious late charge from Pasig City to escape with an 81-80 victory on Saturday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the Olivarez College Gym in Parañaque.

Pasig threatened to steal the game after trailing 80-75 in the closing moments. Keith Pido knocked down two free throws before Jacob Galicia converted a layup to trim the deficit to just one, 81-80, with 6.4 seconds left.

GenSan had a chance to seal the win, but Larry Rodriguez missed both free throws with 3.8 seconds remaining. Galicia grabbed the defensive rebound to give Pasig one final possession, but the Pasigueños failed to attempt a shot before time expired as the Warriors held on for the victory.

The win improved GenSan to 14-2 in the South Division standings.

Hesed Gabo earned Best Player of the Game honors after scoring 14 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, while adding three rebounds and three assists. Val Acuña also finished with 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers and collecting three rebounds.

GenSan also drew solid contributions from Fontanilla, who scored nine points, and RJ Minerva, who tallied eight points and eight rebounds.

Pasig slipped to 7-5 despite a double-double from Jacob Galicia, who produced 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jerome Garcia added 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Ahron Estacio flirted with a triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and two steals. Warlo Batac chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Jerlad Bautista contributed 10 points.

Behind Galicia's 10 first-half points and Batac's nine, Pasig carried a slim 41-38 lead into the halftime break.

MPBL action resumes on Monday at the Paco Arena, with Pasay facing Ilagan Isabela at 4 p.m., Caloocan taking on Parañaque at 6 p.m., and Cebu meeting Quezon City at 8 p.m.