Dhon Reverente made his two free throws with 27 seconds remaining as Pasay withstood a fiery rally by Bataan and emerged victorious, 77-76, in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season elimination round at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
Bataan had an opportunity to reverse the outcome, but Jason Castro missed a jumper.
Even though Jamil Gabawan managed to grab the offensive rebound with four seconds left, the Risers were unable to take another shot.
This handed the Pasay Voyagers their ninth win against three losses in the 29-team tournament.
The Voyagers survived an onslaught by Yves Sazon, who scored 17 of Bataan’s 19 points in the fourth quarter, including four triples and a jumper that pushed the Risers ahead, 76-75, with 36 seconds remaining.
Pasay was led by Jeric Serrano with 15 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Laurenz Victoria with 15 points, Reverente with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Alejandro Inigo with 12 points. Sazon finished with 30 points for Bataan, which fell to 6-7. The Risers also received 11 points and 8 rebounds from Arvie Bringas.
Earlier, Rob Celiz hit a buzzer-beater jumper to lift Makati OKBet past Marikina, 73-71.
The Shoemasters scored five consecutive points, capped by Jason Strait’s basket with six seconds left to tie the game at 71. Celiz finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 assists, earning the best player honors for Makati, which improved to 8-4.
He was supported by Emman Calo with 13 points and 4 rebounds, Matthew Daves with 10 points and 6 rebounds, and Billy Robles with 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Marikina fell to 5-8 despite the 22-point, 10-rebound effort of Felipe Chavez, the 18-point, 8-rebound output of Marwin Tolentino, and the 15-point, 3-rebound contribution of Joe Gomez De Liano.
Bacolod City of Smiles subdued Oriental Mindoro, 69-60, in the opening game and climbed to 5-8.
Valandre Chauca scored seven of his 16 points in the fourth quarter as the Bacolodnons extended their 58-57 lead halfway through the period.
James Mangahas and Alfred Sedillo supported Chauca, who also had 4 rebounds and 3 assists, with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Mindoro dropped to 2-11 as only Agem Miranda broke through the Bacolod defense with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals.
The MPBL will hold a triple bill at the Caloocan Sports Complex on Wednesday, with Laguna battling Valenzuela at 4 p.m., Iloilo tangling with Imus at 6 p.m., and Negros clashing with Caloocan at 8 p.m.
