Risers Dominate Kuyas, Remain Tied at the Top

Bataan cruised to a commanding victory on Thursday, staying tied for first place in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan.

The Risers led wire-to-wire, overpowering the Bulacan Kuyas 102-68 in the nightcap, earning their third consecutive win and remaining level with the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo at the top of the standings in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.

Fueled by a passionate home crowd, Bataan surged to a 73-45 lead after three quarters, extending the margin to as much as 102-64 late in the game.

Homegrown talent Yves Sazon led Bataan with 19 points and four rebounds, while Mitchelle Maynes added 11 points and four rebounds. Alex Ramos contributed nine points and two rebounds, and Dante Paguio and Chris Javier chipped in eight points apiece. Dinalupihan councilor Gary David, along with Alfred Roces and Edrian Ramirez, each scored seven points, helping power the rout.

Bulacan fell to a 1-2 record despite a combined 34-point effort from Andrei Acop and Jeremy Cruz, while Kent Montalvo added 13 points and six rebounds.

In the earlier game, Manila Batang Quiapo defeated Bacolod Masskara 73-67, improving to 1-2 and tying Bacolod in the standings.

John Ashley Faa led Manila with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Alfred Sedillo added 17 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, while Decoy Lopez contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Bacolod’s efforts were spearheaded by Hance Lleva’s 16 points and 11 rebounds, Ian Melencio’s 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds, and Emman Galman’s double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The tournament continues at Paco Arena in Manila on Friday, with Valenzuela facing Sarangani at 4 p.m., followed by Iloilo vs. Zamboanga at 6 p.m., and Negros vs. Biñan at 8 p.m.