MANILA – Basilan Viva Portmasters returned to their winning ways in the 2025 MPBL Season with a 76-65 victory over Parañaque Patriots on Wednesday night at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.
Emman Calo had a near triple-double numbers of 13 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds to be named Player of the Game as the Viva Portmasters improved to a 7-8 record.
“Kailangan pa naming ayusin ‘yung team chemistry namin, kailangan pa naming ayusin ang lahat ng aspeto ng laro namin mula sa opensa at depensa,” Calo mentioned in a post-game interview.
He added: “Para sa mga next games namin siguro kailangan naming dumepensa ng maayos para ma-conquer namin ’yung mga close games na katulad nitong against sa Parañaque.”
Arwind Santos marked his return to Basilan with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while James Tempra and Gab Dagangon chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively.
Paolo Castro paced the Patriots with 16 points, Allen Bernard Papa had a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jasper Cuevas contributed 12 as they fell to a 1-14 record.
Meanwhile, Quezon Huskers (12-3) secured a lopsided 91-61 victory over Bulacan Kuyas (2-15). JP Sarao finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists to lead Quezon.
Defending champions Pampanga Giant Lanterns (12-4), on the other hand, secured a tight 60-57 win over Binan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle Tires GameX (9-6). Larry Muyang had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds for Pampanga./PN
BOX SCORE:
BASILAN 76 – Ar. Santos 14, Tempra 14, Calo 13, Dagangon 12, Grimaldo 8, Caduyac 4, Cruz 4, Joson 3, Pasturan 2, Larupay 1, Mahari 1, Navarro 0.
PARANAQUE 65 – Castro 16, Papa 14, Cuevas 12, Buenaflor 7, A. Mangahas 5, J. Mangahas 4, Homo 4, Saitanan 3.
Quarterscores: 14-17, 31-33, 53-52, 76-65.
