MANILA — Iloilo United Royals held off a furious late-game rally by Manila Batang Quiapo to secure a much-needed 101-96 victory, snapping a three-game skid and finally entering the win column in the 2026 MPBL Season at the Baliwag Star Arena in Baliuag, Bulacan.
The United Royals appeared in full control after building a commanding 72-50 advantage, but went ice-cold in the fourth quarter, allowing Batang Quiapo to storm back and even grab a 93-92 lead with 2:14 remaining.
Refusing to fold, Iloilo leaned on the clutch plays of Kyt Jimenez and Levi Hernandez, who combined for nine crucial points down the stretch to reclaim control and seal the victory.
Hernandez powered the Royals with a game-high 36 points, along with four rebounds and two assists to earn Player of the Game honors, while Jimenez delivered an all-around effort with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Paul Sanga added 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists before exiting late in the fourth quarter due to a hand injury.
Despite the loss, Batang Quiapo remained competitive behind John Ashley Faa’s 26 points, four assists, and three rebounds, along with Mark Doligon’s 24 points and Alfred Sedillo’s 10 markers. The defeat dropped Manila to 1-3 in the standings.
In the other game, Valenzuela Darkhorse turned a tight contest into a rout, overpowering the Negros Hacienderos, 85-67, at the Batangas City Coliseum.
After holding a slim 39-37 halftime edge, Valenzuela unleashed a dominant third-quarter surge behind Shaq Alanes, Lester Reyes, and Jay Collado to pull away, 67-48, and never looked back en route to its second straight win.
Alanes led the Darkhorse with 14 points, including three triples, along with five rebounds and three assists. JR Olegario and Angelo Obuyes also chipped in 14 points each, while Geremy Robinson Jr. added 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Reyes contributed eight points highlighted by two triples.
Negros continued to struggle, absorbing its third consecutive defeat despite Jan Formento’s 18 points and Carl Joshua Alattica’s 12 points and nine rebounds./PN
