Sparks End Angels’ Unbeaten Streak

Akari-Rizal capped the first round with a statement win, handing Biñan-Tatak Gel its first defeat of the season, 86-80, in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) regular season on Sunday at the Alonte Sports Gymnasium.

The victory moved the Sparks into a three-way tie at the top of the standings with the Angels and Batangas–New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries, all holding 4-1 records.

Akari-Rizal created a decisive gap with a 7-0 run led by Jhenn Angeles, Allana Lim, and Mar Prado, turning a tight 69-66 lead into 76-66 with just under six minutes remaining. From there, the Sparks tightened their defense and stifled every Biñan-Tatak Gel rally to secure back-to-back wins.

“Well, I think we weren’t executing well at the start, which frustrated me. The things we were supposed to run, we didn’t,” said Sparks head coach Derrick Pumaren. “But from the third quarter onward, we ran our offense efficiently, defended effectively, and changed up our schemes, and I think that made the difference.”

Raiza Palmera-Dy delivered her best showing of the tournament with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, alongside nine assists and seven rebounds. Mar Prado added 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals off the bench. Allana Lim contributed 14 points and six boards, while Jhenn Angeles finished with 12 points and five rebounds.

For Biñan-Tatak Gel, Monique Del Carmen led all scorers with 24 points and six rebounds, while Chack Cabinbin recorded a 20-point, 10-assist double-double with four boards. Eka Soriano added 16 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, but the Angels struggled to get consistent contributions from the rest of the roster, ultimately leaving them short-handed in critical moments.