MANILA, Philippines – In the fifth season of the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League), which was played at the Batangas City Coliseum, Batangas defeated Bulacan, 76 to 60, and escaped the upsets that befell Zamboanga and General Santos earlier in the day.

In the tournament’s opening game, the Marikina Shoemasters defeated the Brand Sardines of Zamboanga Family 74 to 71 thanks to a buzzer-beating three by Marwin Dionisio. The Muntinlupa Cagers then defeated the GenSan Warriors 67 to 60 in the single round-robin elimination round.

The Batangas City Embassy Chill Athletics dominated the boards and played with unity as they broke away at 56 to 32 and then cruised to their 11th victory against two losses.

MPBL: Marikina and Muntinlupa shock favored opponents as Batangas destroys Bulacan.

In the fifth season of the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League), which was played at the Batangas City Coliseum on Saturday, Batangas defeated Bulacan, 76 to 60, and escaped the upsets that befell Zamboanga and General Santos earlier in the day.

In the tournament’s opening game, the Marikina Shoemasters defeated the Brand Sardines of Zamboanga Family 74 to 71 thanks to a buzzer-beating three by Marwin Dionisio. The Muntinlupa Cagers then defeated the GenSan Warriors 67 to 60 in the single round-robin elimination round.

Along with local Deo Timajo, who supplied 10 points, lanky Jason Strait also shone for the Shoemasters with 14 points, 12 of them coming in the fourth quarter, and 8 rebounds.

The 2023 MPBL Preseason Invitational champion Zamboanga was led by Jaycee Marcelino, who ended with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jayvee Marcelino, Jaycee’s twin, contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Jerald Bautista contributed 13 points and Joseph Gabayni contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds.

With 2 minutes and 17 seconds remaining, John Delos Santos and Marco Balagtas of Muntinlupa each made a triple, and with 2 minutes and 17 seconds remaining, Balagtas added a layup to complete the game’s final basket. Neither side had success in their final four attempts.

Muntinlupa scored 7-6 under the direction of Chino Mosqueda, who scored 13 points, and Balagtas, who scored 12. GenSan dropped to 8-4, with Jervy Cruz the only player to score in double digits with 11 points.