Risers Hold Off Royals’ Late Rally for First Win

The Bataan Risers weathered a late rally from the Iloilo United Royals to claim a 92-82 victory on Tuesday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Iloilo mounted a strong 16-2 run spanning the third and fourth quarters to trim Bataan’s lead to 65-70, but the Risers stood firm under pressure. They quickly responded with a crucial 13-2 run to regain control and secure their place among the early leaders in the two-division, 28-team tournament.

Robbi Darang, the standout recruit from Diliman College, led Bataan with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, earning Best Player honors. He outshined Hubert Cani, who finished with 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds.

Carl Bringas contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Yves Sazon, a homegrown talent, added 11 points and six rebounds. Chris Javier made his impact felt in the fourth quarter with nine points (six in the final frame), along with eight rebounds and four assists.

Several other teams also picked up opening victories, including San Juan, Caloocan, GenSan, Cebu, Bulacan, Mindoro, Batangas, Meycauayan, Basilan, and Marikina.

Darang credited the Risers’ strong performance to a team-building session after the MPBL Preseason Invitational, emphasizing their commitment to following the coaching staff’s game plan each game.

Iloilo, led by veterans Vic Manuel (20 points, 2 assists), Jorey Napoles (17 points, 17 rebounds), and Paul Sanga (16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals), made a late push. Sanga nailed three crucial three-pointers in the final four minutes to fuel their comeback attempt.

Bataan had built a solid 50-36 halftime lead, thanks in part to back-to-back drives from Sazon, which helped them withstand Iloilo’s second-half charge.

The tournament continues at the Pasay Astrodome on Thursday, with Cebu facing San Juan at 4 p.m., Quezon City taking on Biñan at 6 p.m., and Parañaque playing Pasay at 8 p.m.