John Wilson’s Late Heroics Lift Basilan Steel Past Gensan Warriors

Basilan Steel snapped its three-game losing streak with a dramatic 82–79 victory over the Gensan Warriors on Monday at the Paco Arena.

John Wilson delivered a clutch performance in the final seconds, draining a jumper and converting two pressure-packed free throws with just 0.8 seconds remaining to seal the win. The former Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) MVP finished with a game-high 23 points, including four three-pointers, along with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 27 minutes. He was named Best Player of the Game.

Mark Montuano contributed 17 points and four rebounds for Basilan, which improved to a 6–7 record as it continues to strengthen its roster in pursuit of a playoff spot.

Gensan, despite suffering only its second loss in 14 games, saw its late comeback attempts fall short. Marwin Dionisio missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with 16.9 seconds left, while Hesed Gabo failed to convert a last-second shot. Gabo led the Warriors with 26 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, while Val Acuña added 14 points.

In the nightcap, the **Valenzuela Darkhorse** defeated the **Bacolod Masskara**, 92–80, to improve to 7–6. Jay Collado paced Valenzuela with 24 points and eight rebounds and was named Best Player. Bacolod dropped to 3–12, with Rafael Go scoring a team-high 24 points.

The MPBL 2026 Season resumes on Tuesday at the Pasay Astrodome with three games: Negros vs. Iloilo (4 p.m.), Bataan vs. Caloocan (6 p.m.), and Rizal vs. Quezon City (8 p.m.).