MANILA, Philippines – At the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay, the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season elimination round saw Pasay defeat Bataan, 77 to 76, thanks to Dhon Reverente’s two free throws with 27 seconds remaining.

Jason Castro missed a jump shot that would have given Bataan a chance to change the outcome.

The Risers were unable to attempt another shot even though Jamil Gabawan was able to secure the offensive rebound with four seconds remaining.

With nine victories and three defeats in the 29-team tournament, the Pasay Voyagers now have a winning record.

Yves Sazon’s barrage, which included four triples and a jumper that gave the Risers the lead, 76 to 75, with 36 seconds left, and 17 of Bataan’s 19 points in the fourth quarter, allowed the Voyagers to hold on.

Jeric Serrano, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Pasay, was in first place, followed by Laurenz Victoria (15 points), Reverente (14 points and 10 rebounds), and Alejandro Inigo (12 points). For Bataan, who dropped to 6 to 7, Sazon scored 30 points in the end. Arvie Bringas also contributed to the Risers with 11 points and 8 rebounds.

Prior to that, Rob Celiz made a buzzer-beating jump shot to help Makati OKBet defeat Marikina, 73 to 71.

With six seconds left, Jason Strait’s shot tied the score at 71 for the Shoemasters after the team had scored five straight points. Celiz led Makati to victory and improved their record to 8-4 with a final line of 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 assists.

Billy Robles contributed 9 points and 10 rebounds, Emman Calo contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds, Matthew Daves contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds, and Emman Calo contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds in his favor.

Despite the contributions of Felipe Chavez, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Marwin Tolentino, who had 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Joe Gomez De Liano, who had 15 points and 3 rebounds, Marikina lost, dropping to 5 to 8.