MANILA — Chester Ian Melencio came through in the closing seconds and lifted Bacolod MassKara to a dramatic 86-85 escape over Parañaque Patriots after sinking two game-winning free throws in the 2026 MPBL Season on Thursday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.
With Bacolod trailing 84-85 in the final moments, Melencio attacked the basket and drew a foul from Patriots defender Ryussei Koga, calmly draining both free throws to hand the MassKara the lead with only four seconds remaining.
Melencio delivered a dominant all-around performance with 34 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block as Bacolod finally returned to the win column and improved to 2-7.
Hance Lleva added 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, while Marjun Wahing chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the MassKara.
Bacolod trailed 83-78 with over two minutes remaining before unleashing a crucial 6-0 run sparked by free throws from Melencio and Wahing along with a basket by Khenth Guiab to seize an 84-83 advantage.
The Patriots briefly regained control, 85-84, after JR Taganas converted two free throws with less than a minute left, but Melencio answered with the decisive charities to steal the victory for Bacolod.
The win ended a long drought for the MassKara, whose last victory came during a 111-105 triumph over Imus Yankees in their season opener on April 15.
Jomar Santos posted a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Marlon Monte contributed 14 points and six rebounds for the Patriots, who remained winless through nine games./PN
