Risers cruise past Hacienderos to bolster playoff bid

4 hours ago

The Bataan Risers continued to build momentum at the right time, rolling past the Negros Hacienderos, 114-82, on Saturday at the Orion Sports Complex to keep their MPBL playoff aspirations alive.

With a second consecutive victory, the Risers improved to 8-11 and remained firmly in the hunt for a North Division postseason berth.

Bataan's balanced offense was on full display as five players scored in double figures. Miggy Corteza led the charge with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Jeff Santos supplied 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Yves Sazon added 13 points, Rhaffy Octobre chipped in 11, and Hubert Cani contributed 10 points and three assists in the lopsided triumph.

Negros never found an answer despite another productive outing from Reymar Caduyac, who finished with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Michael Alvarez also impressed with 20 points and nine rebounds, but the Hacienderos still slipped to a league-worst 1-16.

Earlier, the Imus Yangkees snapped through in a tense finish, edging the Marikina Shoemasters, 110-108, after Marikina faltered at the free-throw line in the closing moments.

The Shoemasters missed six of their final nine foul shots, including Jomel Landayan's game-tying attempt with 12.1 seconds left, allowing Imus to hold on for just its third win of the season.

Noel Santos starred for the Yangkees with 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Dylan Darbin poured in 26 points, while Joseph Mark Marquez added 24 as Imus improved to 3-16.

Marikina, which dropped to 7-13, drew 18 points from Landayan, while Alvin Pasaol posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Jordan Sta. Ana added 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals in the losing effort.

MPBL action resumes Monday at Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas, with Meycauayan facing Mindoro, Biñan taking on Valenzuela, and Sarangani meeting Manila.