 |
| Kraniel Viloria helped Rizal put away Bataan with clutch free throws. MPBL |
BIÑAN—Rizal banked on late free throws to stay afloat against Bataan for an 87-85 win in their MPBL battle on Friday night at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The Risers tried to mount a comeback against the Golden Coolers after the latter opened an eight-point cushion, 82-74, with 2:43 left.
Bataan scored five straight points to cut Rizal's lead down to three, 82-79, with 1:22 remaining.
Charles Dela Cruz and Kraniel Villoria each made a pair of free throws to give the Golden Coolers some cushion even if Mitchelle Maynes countered the charities with layups of his own.
JK Casino gave the Risers an opening for a late comeback as he split his free throws with 41 seconds left before Alex Ramos hit two charities to cut the Golden Coolers' lead down to two with 22 seconds remaining.
Tutoy Ramirez then stole the ball off a Keith Agovida pass to give Bataan a chance to force overtime, but Robbie Darang missed a midrange jumper and a floater in the end.
Viloria had 21 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and five steals to lead Rizal, which moved up to 6-3 in the standings.
Agovida added 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals off the bench.
Maynes and Dante Paguio each tallied 14 points for Bataan, which dropped to 3-6.
Box Scores:
RIZAL 87 - Villoria 21, Agovida 16, Dela Cruz 15, Balagtas 12, Apacible 11, Alday 7, Pingoy 3, Casino 2, Argente 0, Bernardo 0, Alonzo 0, Jimenez 0, Timajo 0, Davis 0, Lao 0.
BATAAN 85 - Paguio 14, Maynes 14, Octobre 13, Darang 12, Santos 7, Formento 6, Ramos 6, Ramirez 6, C.Bringas 3, Acuno 2, Vera 2, Soriano 0, Sazon 0, Grimaldo 0, Gabawan 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22, 40-40, 60-57, 87-85.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
