MANILA, Philippines — Domark Matillano drilled in a jumper with 3.8 seconds left to lift the Paranaque Patriots past the Negros Hacienderos, 95-94, on Wednesday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Pasay Astrodome.
The 5-foot-11 find from the Philippine Merchant Marine School completed Paranaque's comeback from as far as 38-57 down early in the third quarter and handed the Patriots their second win against 18 losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 27-team tournament.
Negros had a chance to reverse the outcome, but Achie Inigo missed a buzzer-beating triple and the Hacienderos slipped to 1-14.
James Mangahas posted 20 points, 12 in the third quarter, and 6 rebounds to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Jomar Santos, with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Matillano, with 14 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
Other Patriots who delivered were homegrown Paolo Castro, with 13 points and 2 rebounds, Marlon Monte, with 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, and Ryusei Koga with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
Negros fell to 1-14 as Michael Alvarez's 27-point, 7-rebound, 2-assist effort and Reymar Caduyac's 17-point, 9-assist output and 6-rebound output went for naught.
The MPBL goes to the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City on Thursday, with games pitting Batangas against Basilan at 5 p.m., and host Cebu against Binan at 7 p.m.
Cebuano legends to be feted
Cebuano players who have made their mark in local basketball will be honored by the MPBL on Saturday, July 19, after the first game between Mindoro and Zamboanga at 5 p.m. at the Cebu Coliseum.
Ramon Fernandez, a four-time PBA MVP and part of a record 19 champion teams, and multiple national team member heads the 21 honorees to be given plaques of recognition for their contribution to the upliftment of the sport.
Also to be feted are Bonel Balingit, Elmer "Boy" Cabahug, Peter Naron, Marcelino "Terry" Albarillo, Rodolfo Jose "Bong" Abad Jr., Hilario "Larry" Villanil, Calvin Tuadles, Alfonso "Al" Solis, Lowell Briones, Alexandro "Jojo" Lim, Maximo "Mad Max" Delantes, Wilfredo "Willy" Generalao, Norberto "Titing Manalili Sr., Rogelio "Roger" Yap Jr., Junthy L. Valenzuela, Cresencio "Dondon" Ampalayo, Manuel "Manny" Paner, Ramon "Montoy" Singson, Jercules "Jojo" Tangkay and Reynaldo "Reyns" Yncierto.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta and Operations Head Zaldy Realubit said this is just the initial batch and other deserving Cebuano cagers will similarly be feted in the future.
