MANILA – Basilan Starhorse Viva Portmasters rode on the exploits of Arwind Santos in the fourth quarter as they subdued Bataan Risers, 84-70, in the 2025 MPBL Season on Wednesday night at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The former PBA MVP converted 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter to go with four rebounds and two assists to be named Player of the Game as the Viva Portmasters improved to an 8-8 record.
“Kailangan na talaga naming manalo ng manalo kasi itong team na ito talaga namang may ibubuga,” Santos remarked in the post-game interview.
He added: “Ang sabi ko nga sa mga teammates ko na kailangan matuto kami sa mga naging pagkakamali namin sa simula ng season. Dapat as the season goes on, nag-i-improve kami,” he added.
Alex Cabagnot posted 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. James Tempra tallied 11 points and nine rebounds, and Adrian Santos ended with 11 points, six rebounds and two assists for Basilan.
The Viva Portmasters ruled the rebounding, 50-40, and showed more cohesion with 27 assists as against Bataan’s 11.
Yves Sazon finished with 14 points and eight rebounds. Hubert Cani and Mitchelle Maynes added 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Lorenz Capulong and Jared Loi Vento ended with 10 apiece. The Risers dropped to 6-12.
Meanwhile, Quezon Huskers (13-3) cruised to a 96-68 domination over Parañaque Patriots (1-15). Ximone Sandagon finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Player of the Game honors.
Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters (10-7) pulled off a gutsy 74-68 victory over Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle Tires GameX (9-7). Levi Hernandez led the way for Batangas with 21 points./PN
