Bataan stays alive as Risers ride third straight win past Batang Quiapo

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Bataan continues to fight for a playoff spot.

The Risers kept their postseason hopes alive with another strong offensive showing, defeating Manila Batang Quiapo, 110-97, on Friday in the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Season at One Arena Cainta in Rizal.

The victory extended Bataan’s winning streak to three games and improved its record to 9-11, putting the Risers right in the middle of the North Division playoff race alongside Quezon City, Meycauayan, and Pasig.

A balanced attack powered Bataan’s latest victory, with five players scoring in double figures.

Tutoy Ramirez led the way with 16 points, while veteran Chito Jaime delivered an all-around performance that earned him Best Player of the Game honors. Jaime finished with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two three-pointers.

"We just kept up with them in offense," Jaime said. "We also followed the system of our coach (Myk Saguiguit)."

The Risers also received key contributions from Migs Corteza, who scored 15 points, Yves Sazon, who posted 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and Christian Balagasay, who added 10 points and four rebounds.

Bataan set the tone early and never surrendered control, relying on its perimeter shooting to keep Manila at bay. The Risers drained 14 three-pointers out of 30 attempts and eventually stretched the lead to 17 points, 110-93, in the final minutes.

Batang Quiapo, however, found a bright spot in another explosive outing from Alfred Sedillo. The veteran guard poured in 44 points while also collecting eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

John Ashley Faa added 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Mark Doligon chipped in 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists, but Manila could not avoid its 18th loss of the season.

Bataan now turns its attention toward the remaining games of the elimination round, where every victory becomes crucial in its pursuit of a playoff berth.

The MPBL returns Saturday at Alonte Sports Arena, with the spotlight on the showdown between two of the league’s hottest teams as defending champion Abra Solid North faces Biñan Tatak Gel at 7 p.m.

Abra enters the matchup with a 15-game winning streak and a 17-1 record, while Biñan carries a 13-game streak and a 16-3 mark.

The Weavers will be anchored by Dave Ildefonso, Jake Figueroa, and Raven Gonzales, while Biñan will counter with Nic Cabanero, Kenny Roger Rocacurva, and Carlo Lastimosa.

The triple-header also features Negros versus Ilagan Isabela at 3 p.m. and Meycauayan Marilao against Parañaque at 5 p.m.