Royals Survive Scare, Edge Batang Quiapo in Narrow 101-96 Win

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) The Iloilo United Royals narrowly avoided a major collapse, holding off a furious comeback by Manila Batang Quiapo to secure a 101-96 victory on Wednesday at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.

Iloilo looked firmly in control after building a commanding 72-50 lead, but went cold in the fourth quarter. Manila mounted a strong rally, even taking a brief 93-92 lead with 2:14 left in the game.

Kyt Jimenez and Levi Hernandez stepped up in the clutch, combining for nine crucial points down the stretch to preserve the win. It marked Iloilo’s first victory after three straight losses in the MPBL 2026 Season’s round-robin elimination phase.

Hernandez led the Royals with a game-high 36 points, along with 4 rebounds and 2 assists, and was named Best Player of the Game. Jimenez contributed 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Paul Sanga added 12 points and 6 rebounds before leaving late with a hand injury.

Manila mounted a strong fightback, with Mark Doligon scoring 13 points during their rally. John Ashley Faa led the Batang Quiapo with 26 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, while Doligon finished with 24 points and Alfred Sedillo added 10 points.

The loss dropped Manila to a 1-3 record.

The MPBL 2026 Season continues on Thursday at the Batangas City Coliseum with three games: Valenzuela vs. Negros at 4 p.m., Marikina vs. Caloocan at 6 p.m., and Biñan vs. Batangas at 8 p.m.