Villarias explodes for 35 as Steel roll past Batang Quiapo

Basilan Steel returned to the win column in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 102-89 victory over Manila Batang Quiapo in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Byron Villarias starred for Basilan, erupting for 35 points behind eight three-pointers while grabbing six rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors. The victory improved the Steel to 10-11 and lifted them back into eighth place in the South Division standings.

Neil Owens added 14 points and four rebounds, while Jervy Cruz finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Veteran John Wilson also chipped in 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Manila dropped its seventh consecutive game and slipped to 2-18 despite another outstanding performance from John Ashley Faa, who recorded 29 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.

Alfred Sedillo backed him with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Joe Gomez De Liano contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds. Mark Doligon also finished in double figures with 13 points and six rebounds.

The MPBL resumes Friday at the One Arena in Cainta, where Bataan faces Manila at 3 p.m., Caloocan takes on Sarangani at 5 p.m., and Bulacan battles Valenzuela at 7 p.m.