HOOPS

Risers shine, boost MPBL playoff drive

DT · Aug 1, 2026, 11:30 PM

CHITO Jaime posts an all-around performance to lead the Bataan Giant Risers to a 110-97 win over the Manila Batang Quiapo in the MPBL 2026 Season at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal Province. — Photograph courtesy of MPBL

The Bataan Risers beat the Manila Batang Quiapo, 110-97, in a shootout to remain in playoff contention in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal Province on Friday.

It was the third straight win for Bataan, which improved to 9-11 and moved closer to Quezon City (9-10), Meycauayan (10-9) and Pasig (9-9) in the chase for playoff spots in the North division.

Tutoy Ramirez led five Risers in double figures with 16, but it was veteran Chito Jaime who was chosen the SportsPlus Best Player with 12 points, including two triples, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

“We just kept up with them in offense,” Jaime said.

“We also followed the system of our coach (Myk Saguiguit).”

Other major contributors for Bataan were Migs Corteza with 15 points and three rebounds, homegrown Yves Sazon with 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists; and Christian Balagasay with 10 points and four rebounds.

Manila fell to 2-18 despite Alfred Sedillo’s 44-point, eight-rebound, three-assist and three-steal effort; John Ashley Faa’s 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals, and Mark Doligon’s 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Hitting 14 of 30 triple attempts, Bataan led throughout and as far as 110-93 in the homestretch.