Risers cruise past Hacienderos to bolster playoff bid

The Bataan Risers boosted their playoff hopes with a convincing 114-82 victory over the Negros Hacienderos on Saturday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Orion Sports Complex.

Bataan notched its second straight win to improve to 8-11, keeping itself in contention for a North Division playoff berth.

Miggy Corteza led a balanced Risers attack with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Jeff Santos added 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Yves Sazon scored 13 points. Rhaffy Octobre chipped in 11 points and two rebounds, and Hubert Cani contributed 10 points and three assists.

Negros, meanwhile, fell to a league-worst 1-16 despite Reymar Caduyac's 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Michael Alvarez added 20 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

In the other game, the Imus Yangkees escaped with a 110-108 victory over the Marikina Shoemasters after capitalizing on their opponents' late free-throw woes.

Marikina missed six of its final nine attempts from the charity stripe, including Jomel Landayan's potential game-tying free throw with 12.1 seconds remaining, as the Shoemasters dropped to 7-13.

Noel Santos earned Best Player of the Game honors after tallying 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals for Imus, which improved to 3-16. Dylan Darbin added 26 points and six rebounds, while Joseph Mark Marquez finished with 24 points and six rebounds.

Marikina was led by Alvin Pasaol, who posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Landayan scored 18 points with two steals, while Jordan Sta. Ana contributed 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

The tournament resumes Monday at Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas, where Meycauayan takes on Mindoro at 3 p.m., Biñan faces Valenzuela at 5 p.m., and Sarangani battles Manila at 7 p.m.