Debutants Forthsky Padrigao and Brandon Wilson wasted no time making an impact, powering Zamboanga Sikat to an 83-73 victory over Bulacan on Tuesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at One Arena Cainta in Rizal.
Padrigao and Wilson delivered strong performances in their professional debuts, while veteran Levi Hernandez, recently acquired from Iloilo, also provided valuable contributions as Zamboanga improved to 3-7 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.
The 6-foot-6 Wilson, who was teammates with Jalen Green during the 2019 NBTC National Finals with Fil-Am Sports, finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.
Padrigao, a former UAAP Season 85 Mythical Team member, matched Wilson’s output with 16 points, highlighted by four three-pointers, while adding four assists and three rebounds.
Hernandez, who suited up for Batangas City Tanduay Athletics last season, chipped in 11 points and two rebounds as Zamboanga continued its push to recover from a slow start and keep its playoff hopes alive.
(C) MPBL
“I love the intensity, I love the physicality,” said the 220-pound Wilson. “It’s my brand of basketball.”
Inand Fornilos and John Mahari added eight points apiece for Zamboanga, while Joshua Lazaro anchored the all-around effort with 11 rebounds and six assists.
Bulacan absorbed its third straight loss and dropped to 3-7 despite a strong performance from Airohn Acop, who tallied 24 points, six rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Kenneth Castillo contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while Jeremy Cruz chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
The MPBL resumes on Wednesday at the San Jose del Monte City Sports Complex, with Pasig taking on Ilagan Isabela at 4 p.m., Abra facing Gensan at 6 p.m., and Negros battling Manila at 8 p.m.
