Villarias explodes for 35 as Steel roll past Batang Quiapo

07-31 02:36

Byron Villarias put on a shooting clinic Thursday night, drilling eight three-pointers as Basilan Steel rolled past Manila Batang Quiapo, 102-89, to strengthen its playoff push in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Villarias caught fire from long range and finished with a game-high 35 points to go along with six rebounds, powering the Steel back into the South Division's top eight. His stellar performance earned him Best Player of the Game honors as Basilan improved to 10-11.

The Steel received steady support from the rest of the roster, with Neil Owens contributing 14 points and four rebounds, Jervy Cruz tallying 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, and John Wilson adding 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Manila continued to struggle despite another brilliant all-around effort from John Ashley Faa, who nearly posted a triple-double with 29 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Alfred Sedillo supplied 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Joe Gomez De Liano recorded a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Mark Doligon chipped in 13 points and six boards, but the Batang Quiapo still absorbed their seventh straight defeat to fall to 2-18.

The MPBL action shifts to the One Arena in Cainta on Friday, featuring Bataan against Manila at 3 p.m., Caloocan versus Sarangani at 5 p.m., and Bulacan taking on Valenzuela in the 7 p.m. main game.