By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bataan Risers bowed out in style, dumping Bacolod Masskara, 129-82, at the end of the round-robin elimination phase of the 2026 MPBL at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal province on Saturday, March 14.

Powered by homegrown icon Yves Sazon, the Bataan Risers surged beyond reach, 111-75, midway through the fourth quarter en route to a two-win and six-loss record in the two-group, 18-team event preceding the MPBL Eighth Season.

Flashing the form that made him one of the MPBL’s sharpest gunners, Sazon posted 46 points, spiked by nine triples, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals to earn the best player honors.

Hubert Cani also delivered for the Risers with 20 points, laced by a perfect 4-for-4 performance from long distance, and eight assists.

Carl Bringas chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Alex Ramos delivered 14 points plus five rebounds.

Showing their competitive spirit, the Risers dominated the boards, 64-36, which they converted into a 60-42 edge in points in the paint and a 33-13 advantage in fastbreak points.

Bataan wound up ahead of Bacolod (1-7) and Sarangani (0-7) in Group A, topped by Abra Solid North (7-0) and Batangas (6-2).

Bacolod got 24 points, three rebounds and three assists from Adven Jess Diputado; 22 points and eight rebounds from Arvie Vringas; 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks from Hance Lleva; and 11 points, two rebounds and two assists from Martin Gozum./ASC, WDJ