Bataan survives Zamboanga in MPBL

BALANGA, Bataan — The Bataan Risers weathered Zamboanga Family’s Sardines’ final assault to prevail, 76-74, Monday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Bataan People’s Center.

Byron Villarias followed up a short attempt by Vince Tolentino in the dying seconds to secure the Risers’ 16th win against just two losses, keeping them on top of the 26-team field.

Robin Rono put Zamboanga to within 74-76 on a snap triple with 4.3 seconds to go, forcing the Valientes to foul Pamboy Raymundo with only 0.5 ticks left.

Raymundo missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second to avoid a final play by the Valientes, who fell to 7-11.

Multi-titled Joel Banal took over the mentorship of the Risers in the absence of head coach Jojo Lastimosa, who took an emergency leave to attend to his ailing mother in Cagayan de Oro.

“The situation landed on my lap. It was a challenge.  You know me, I am a fighter,” said Banal. “I have to take care of the kids because the father is away.”

Raymundo topscored for the Risers with 15 points, followed by Gabriel Dagangon with 12 and Ryan Batino with 10 plus 12 rebounds.

Rono and Von Lanete scored 18 points each for Zamboanga, which also got 12 points from Harold Arboleda.