Risers Cruise to Victory, Shoemasters Hold Off Late Charge

Bataan and Marikina secured contrasting wins in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 season on Saturday at the One Arena in Cainta, Rizal, as both teams continued their push for playoff spots in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.

The Bataan Risers dominated the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 75-63, while the Marikina Shoemasters held on for a narrow 68-65 victory over Zamboanga SiKat, marking their second straight wins.

With these victories, both teams joined the ranks of early contenders, including San Juan Knights, Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, Meycauayan Marilao Gems, Gensan Warriors, and Batangas City Tanduay Athletics, in the race for a playoff berth.

Bataan took control early in their game, using a 13-0 run to build a 15-5 lead and never let up. Yves Sazon led the Risers with 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists, with strong support from Edrian Ramirez, who posted 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Carl Bringas added nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Alex Ramos contributed nine points and four rebounds.

Valenzuela made a late push to trim an 18-point deficit, closing to within 67-61, with contributions from Geremy Robinson, Shaq Alanes, and Val Chauca. However, Ramirez sparked an 8-0 run to restore order for Bataan, pushing the lead back to 75-61 with 1:29 remaining.

Robinson led Valenzuela with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Alanes added 16 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.

In the nightcap, Marikina fought off a late surge from Zamboanga, who closed the gap to 62-59. But Ed Daquiaog's back-to-back three-pointers stopped the rally and helped the Shoemasters maintain control.

Daquiaog finished with 14 points and four rebounds, while Louie Vigil added 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Lander Canon recorded a double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists.

Zamboanga, now on a two-game losing streak, was led by Paeng Are, who posted 15 points, three steals, two rebounds, and two assists.

The tournament continues at the One Arena on Monday, with Sarangani facing Bacolod at 4 p.m., Rizal taking on San Juan at 6 p.m., and Iloilo meeting Imus at 8 p.m.