MANILA, Philippines – During the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Batangas City Coliseum, Batangas-Embassy Chill went on the offensive and defeated Paranaque 92 to 58.

In the elimination stage of the two-division, 29-team tournament, the Athletics blasted the Patriots till the end, improving their record to 9 to 2 thanks to hits from Levi Hernandez and Juneric Baloria.

The Athletics, who broke a 14 to 14 tie after the first quarter, were led by Hernandez’s game-high 22 points, which included four triples, and Baloria’s 21 points, which included four triples as well.

Jeckster Apinan, who had 9 points and 9 rebounds, MJ Dela Virgen, who had 9 points—all from beyond the arc—Mark Cruz, who had 8 points, and CJ Isit, who had 8, were other Athletics players that contributed.

Only Joshua Gallano and Jayboy Solis were able to help the Patriots’ offense with 14 and 11 points each as they were outrebounded 31 to 56. The Patriots now stand at 6-7.

Bacolod City of Smiles defeated Muntinlupa earlier in the game, 73 to 72, thanks to a three-point play by Valandre Chauca with six seconds left. This victory improved their record to 4-8. Domark Matillano, who had 20 points and 5 rebounds for Bacolod, was recognized as the game’s top player, nonetheless.

They lost a 42 to 25 advantage but still managed to defeat Muntinlupa, who dropped to 6 to 5. James Mangahas and Chauca, a former Adamson Falcon, both finished with 10 points.

Ian Melencio contributed 19 points and 5 rebounds for Paranaque, and John Cedric Abis contributed 12 points.

Sarangani defeated Quezon City Gaz N Go in the first game, 94 to 68, to tie their record at 6-6.

With a lead of 88 to 59 and Jeff Viernes scoring 19 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists, Sarangani defeated Quezon City, reducing them to 3 to 10, for their 10th loss of the year.

Alex Desoyo scored 14 points, JP Cauilan added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Jefferson Comia contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds in order to assist Viernes. JC Escalambre contributed 16 points and 5 rebounds.