New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas pounced on a struggling RK Hoops-Quezon City, 96-44, to climb into a share of the top spot in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari, Sunday at the Ynares Montalban Arena.
The Valkyries, now on their second consecutive win, once again tied San Juan-DN Steel at the number one spot with identical 6-2 records in the tournament supported by Uratex, Black Mamba, Red Dynasty, Aktive Balls, and Pocari Sweat.
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas figured in a slow start in the opener, falling to an 8-16 deficit. But they quickly turned things around with a fiery 15-2 run to close the first quarter and seize a 21-18 lead heading into the second.
They carried that momentum forward, tightening their defense and dictating the pace to stay in control for the rest of the game.
(C) WMPBL
“Of course, we want to be consistent with what we’re doing, especially going into the next few games ng elimination round. We want to improve on things that we want to be consistent in sa playoffs,” said Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva.
Ameng Torres caught fire, drilling five triples to finish with a game-high 23 points to go along with three rebounds and two steals to lead five players in double digits for New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas.
Afril Bernardino, meanwhile, finished with another double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds. She also had three assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Rizza Lozada also had 15 markers and three steals.
Princess Manzanares added 10 points and nine boards, while Khate Castillo had 10 points as well.
The Valkyries also effectively booted out Pangasinan-Solar Home for top two contention.
New Zealand-Bluefire Batangas will continue to strengthen its bid for an outright semifinals bid when they take on the Suns on Sunday, 8:00 PM at the Batangas City Coliseum.
(C) WMPBL
On the other hand, RK Hoops-Quezon City still could not find its rhythm, dropping its seventh consecutive game to fall to 1-7 in the standings and officially bowing out of contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Bernalyn Andrea Aragon was the lone double-digit scorer for the squad with 14 points.
RK Hoops-QC will look to end its losing skid against Discovery-Rizal also on Sunday at 6:00 PM.
The Scores:
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas 96 – Torres 23, Bernardino 15, Lozada 15, Manzanares 10, Castillo 10, Aquino 8, Peñaranda 6, Villamor 5, Claro 2, Arciga 2, Bariquit 0
RK Hoops-Quezon City 44 – Aragon 14, Molina 6, Pamaran 6, Escotido 5, Flor 3, Isip 2, Buendia 2, Docallos 2, Alcantara 2, Dela Cruz 1, Cayco 1, Bacuto 0, Geli 0, Young 0, Macasiray 0
Quarterscores: 21-18, 48-28, 76-40, 96-44
