Pasig rips Rizal, bolsters campaign

Pasig City ripped dispirited Rizal XentroMall, 92-65, on Thursday to rev up its drive in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Powered by Warlo Batac, Ahron Estacio and Jerome Garcia, Pasig led for the start, pulled away at halftime, 55-30, and never wavered for its second straight win and a 7-3 record in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.

High-flyer Michael Lambino, a prized find from the University of Luzon Golden Tigers, took over in the second half, where Pasig led as far as 92-62 in the homestretch.

Lambino posted 20 points and 11 rebounds and was chosen the SportsPlus best player over Batac, who had 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Estacio, with 15 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals; and Jerald Bautista, with 11 points and 2 rebounds.

With Estacio hitting 3 of 3 triple attempts, Bautista 2 of 3, and Batac 4 of 8, Pasig made 10 of 21 in total for a high 47.6 percent conversion.

Rizal fell to 6-5 as only Jolo Mendoza hit double figures with 14 points, followed by Joel Lee Yu and Mark Yee with 9 points each.

The MPBL returns to the One Arena Cainta on Friday, featuring games between Paranaque and Imus at 4 p.m., Iloilo and Marikina at 6 p.m., and Meycauayan and Abra at 8 p.m.