Matillano delivers in crunch time as Patriots edge Hacienderos

Domark Matillano came through when it mattered most, hitting the game-winning jumper with 3.8 seconds left to lift the Parañaque Patriots to a thrilling 95-94 victory over the Negros Hacienderos on Wednesday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season at the Pasay Astrodome.

The 5-foot-11 guard from the Philippine Merchant Marine School completed Parañaque’s impressive comeback after trailing 38-57 early in the third quarter, helping the Patriots secure their second win in 20 games during the round-robin elimination phase.

Negros had a final opportunity to snatch the victory, but Achie Inigo’s desperation three-pointer at the buzzer missed the mark, leaving the Hacienderos with a 1-14 record.

James Mangahas spearheaded Parañaque’s attack with 20 points, highlighted by 12 in the third quarter, while also grabbing six rebounds. Jomar Santos posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Matillano finished with 14 points, six assists, and four rebounds.

Paolo Castro added 13 points, Marlon Monte contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists, and Ryusei Koga nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Negros saw a strong outing from Michael Alvarez go unrewarded, as he tallied 27 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Reymar Caduyac also had an all-around performance with 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in the defeat.

The MPBL continues its schedule at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City on Thursday, with Batangas taking on Basilan at 5 p.m., followed by host Cebu battling Biñan at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the league will pay tribute to some of Cebu’s most influential basketball figures on Saturday, July 19, at the Cebu Coliseum after the opening game between Mindoro and Zamboanga, which begins at 5 p.m.

Leading the group of 21 honorees is Ramon Fernandez, a four-time PBA Most Valuable Player, a member of 19 championship teams, and a former Philippine national team standout. Each recipient will receive a plaque recognizing their contributions to the development of basketball in Cebu and throughout the country.

The other honorees include Bonel Balingit, Elmer “Boy” Cabahug, Peter Naron, Marcelino “Terry” Albarillo, Rodolfo Jose “Bong” Abad Jr., Hilario “Larry” Villanil, Calvin Tuadles, Alfonso “Al” Solis, Lowell Briones, Alexandro “Jojo” Lim, Maximo “Mad Max” Delantes, Wilfredo “Willy” Generalao, Norberto “Titing” Manalili Sr., Rogelio “Roger” Yap Jr., Junthy L. Valenzuela, Cresencio “Dondon” Ampalayo, Manuel “Manny” Paner, Ramon “Montoy” Singson, Jercules “Jojo” Tangkay, and Reynaldo “Reyns” Yncierto.

MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta and Operations Head Zaldy Realubit said the recognition initiative will continue in the future, with more Cebuano basketball personalities set to be honored for their contributions to the sport.