SiKat stay alive as Bulacan ends skid in MPBL

Tiger Scores365

With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, Zamboanga SiKat delivered exactly the kind of performance they needed.

Behind an explosive offensive display led by Levi Hernandez and Brandon Wilson, Zamboanga overwhelmed Parañaque, 130-76, on Tuesday at the Pasay Astrodome to keep its playoff aspirations alive in the MPBL 2026 Season.

The emphatic victory lifted SiKat to an 8-11 record in the 27-team tournament, moving the squad into ninth place in the South Division and within striking distance of the coveted top-eight playoff spots.

Hernandez starred with 24 points and four rebounds, while Wilson backed him up with 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists as Zamboanga dominated from start to finish.

"We just apply what our coaches told us to do," Hernandez said. "This will also serve as good preparation for our next game against Batangas City."

The balanced attack continued with Reggz Gabat scoring 18 points, Christian Bunag adding 13 points and seven rebounds, John Arthur Calisay contributing 11 points, and Joseph Gabayni posting a 10-point, eight-rebound effort.

Parañaque, meanwhile, slipped to 2-20 despite 15 points each from Domark Matillano and James Mangahas. John Michael Cruz and Jomar Santos chipped in 12 points apiece, but the Patriots had no answer for Zamboanga's relentless offense.

Earlier in the day, Bulacan rediscovered its winning touch by dismantling Bacolod, 100-64.

The Kuyas entered the final quarter with a comfortable cushion before completely burying the Maskarras with a suffocating defensive effort. Bulacan outscored Bacolod, 24-6, in the final period, holding its opponent scoreless over the last 7:48 while forcing six turnovers.

Jeremy Cruz led the way with 20 points and five rebounds, while Benedict Benedictos finished with 19 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Mico Dizon added 16 points and six rebounds, and Andre Acop supplied 11 points as Bulacan improved to 5-13 and kept its slim North Division playoff hopes alive.

Bacolod's losing streak stretched to 11 games, dropping the Maskarras to 3-19 despite 19-point performances from Desmond Price and Jeremy Monton.

MPBL action continues Wednesday at the Ynares Center Montalban, where Negros takes on Quezon City at 3 p.m., Pasig battles Abra at 5 p.m., and host Rizal faces General Santos at 7 p.m.