By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod Masskara mounted a strong fourth quarter charge to rally past the Imus Yankees, 111-105, in the 2026 MPBL Season at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Christian Melencio fueled Masskara’s comeback run with a double-double of 34 points and 17 assists to be named Player of the Game and give his squad a winning start.

Hance Lleva added 21 markers and eight rebounds, while Emman Galman and Marjun Wahing contributed 16 and 14 markers, respectively, for Bacolod in the high-scoring affair.

After being down by as many as 13 points early in the fourth quarter, Masskara leaned on conversions from Wahing and Melencio to force a deadlock at 99-all with less than two minutes left.

Melencio, Lleva and Galman then took turns on the offensive end in the final minutes as Masskara established a 104-99 edge before sealing the win with tough defense.

Ralph Robin led the Yankees with 23 points.

Janjan Salazar added a double-double of 18 points and 11 assists, while Jordan Rios, Joseph Marquez and Gian Abrigo had 17, 16 and 12 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo United Royals, despite having a roster built on former PBA players, suffered a 92-82 defeat to 1Bataan Risers.

Hubert Cani led the winning team with 15 points./ASC, WDJ