Bataan stunned Biñan, 73-62, while Nueva Ecija and Batangas cruised to victories in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan.

The Risers raised their record to 8-14 and remain in contention for a playoff spot in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Nueva Ecija routed Pasig, 91-67, in the opener, while Batangas battered slumping Muntinlupa, 89-68, in the second game.

Already assured of a playoff spot, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards climbed to 20-1 and shared the lead with fellow North Division powerhouses San Juan Knights and the Abra Solid North Weavers.

Hubert Cani drilled in a triple and a fallaway, while Laurenz Capulong drove in from the side to seal Bataan’s win, 71-62, with 33.4 seconds left.

The 5-foot-11 Cani, a former Far Eastern University Tamaraw, posted 13 points and three rebounds and was chosen the game’s Best Player over Yves Sazon, with 14 points and four rebounds, Capulong with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists, and Mitchelle Maynes with 11 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Biñan saw its four-game run broken and dropped to 13-8 despite Kenny Roger Rocaurva’s 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists, Marc Pingris’ 10 points plus nine rebounds, and Warren Bonifacio’s eight points plus nine rebounds.

With five players contributing twin digits, the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters surged ahead, 80-51, en route to a 13-8 slate.