By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Chester Ian Melencio knocked down two game-winning free throws as Bacolod Masskara escaped with an 86-85 win over the Parañaque Patriots in the 2026 MPBL Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Trailing 84-85 late in the game, Melencio drew a foul from Patriots’ Ryussei Koga, which resulted in two free throws to surge Masskara on top with four seconds left.

Melencio finished with a double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds to go with six assists, four steals and a block as Masskara returned to their winning ways for a 2-7 record.

Hance Lleva contributed 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a block, while Marjun Wahing also hit double digits with 10 points, four rebounds and four assists for Bacolod.

The Patriots were clinging to an 83-78 lead with over two minutes left when Masskara went on a 6-0 run behind free throws by Melencio and Wahing and a basket by Khenth Guiab for an 84-83 edge.

The Patriots still regained the advantage at 85-84 following two free throws by JR Taganas with less than a minute left.

However, Melencio converted two free throws to snatch the win.

Prior to this, Masskara’s previous win was during their season-opener against the Imus Yankees, 111-105, on April 15.

Jomar Santos finished with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds while Marlon Monte added 14 points and six rebounds as the Patriots remained winless in nine games./ASC, WDJ