Bataan Risers secured an 83-75 victory over Pasig City in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on September 25, 2026, at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga. The Risers used a decisive third-quarter surge and a composed closing stretch to protect home court, improve their MPBL standings position, and hand Pasig City a tough road loss.

Match Overview

Bataan and Pasig entered the game separated by only a few places in the North Division playoff race, and the first half reflected that closeness. Pasig controlled tempo early with dribble penetration and mid-range shooting, while Bataan stayed within striking distance through offensive rebounding and transition opportunities. The Risers trailed 39-38 at halftime, but the game flipped in the third quarter when Bataan tightened its defense and found rhythm from the perimeter.

• Final score: Bataan Risers 83, Pasig City 75
• League: Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)
• Date and time: September 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. local time
• Venue: Bataan People’s Center, Balanga

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Bataan started brightly, but Pasig answered in the second period to take a one-point lead into the locker room. The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as Bataan outscored Pasig 26-16 and built a nine-point cushion entering the final frame. Pasig made a late push, but Bataan’s free-throw shooting and half-court execution sealed the result.

• First quarter: Bataan 22, Pasig 18
• Second quarter: Pasig 21, Bataan 16 — halftime: Pasig 39, Bataan 38
• Third quarter: Bataan 26, Pasig 16 — end of third: Bataan 64, Pasig 55
• Fourth quarter: Pasig 20, Bataan 19 — final: Bataan 83, Pasig 75

Key Moments

The decisive stretch came early in the third quarter. After a quiet halftime reset, Bataan opened the second half with a 10-0 run fueled by two corner three-pointers and a pair of fast-break baskets. That burst turned a one-point deficit into a 48-39 lead and forced Pasig to call timeout. Pasig responded behind guard Rafael Santos, who repeatedly attacked the lane and drew help defenders, but Bataan had an answer each time.

In the fourth quarter, Pasig trimmed the margin to five points with under five minutes remaining. Bataan then delivered the game’s most important sequence: a contested jump shot from Mark Villanueva, an offensive rebound putback by Jayson Dela Cruz, and four straight free throws that pushed the lead back to double digits. Pasig never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

Tactical Story

Bataan’s defensive adjustment after halftime was the defining tactical feature of the game. The Risers switched between a compact zone and aggressive man-to-man pressure, crowding Pasig’s primary ball handlers and forcing contested mid-range shots. Bataan also controlled the glass, finishing with a 46-38 rebounding advantage and a 14-8 edge in second-chance points. That extra possession count proved critical in a game where both teams shot below 45% from the field.

Pasig City stayed competitive by pushing pace off made baskets and using high ball screens to create driving lanes. However, 15 turnovers and a cold shooting stretch in the third quarter undermined those efforts. Bataan’s bench also provided a spark, contributing 24 points and helping maintain defensive intensity while the starters rested.

Standout Players

• Mark Villanueva (Bataan Risers): 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Villanueva was the game’s top scorer and hit several momentum-swinging shots in the second half.
• Jayson Dela Cruz (Bataan Risers): 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His interior presence altered Pasig’s shot selection and gave Bataan a reliable second-chance option.
• Rafael Santos (Pasig City): 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. Santos kept Pasig within reach with timely drives and pull-up jumpers.
• Kevin Mercado (Pasig City): 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. Mercado brought energy off the bench and helped Pasig win stretches of the second and fourth quarters.

What the Result Means

The win strengthens Bataan’s position in the MPBL North Division playoff race and gives the Risers a valuable head-to-head result should tiebreakers come into play later in the season. Bataan’s balanced scoring and improved second-half defense suggest the team is rounding into form at an important stage of the campaign. For Pasig City, the loss is a missed opportunity to gain ground in the standings, though the club remains in the