BALANGA CITY – The Bataan Risers weathered the Bicol Volcanoes’ repeated assaults to prevail, 76-72, and keep their bid for a top four finish in the elimination round of the Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season on Wednesday at the Bataan People’s Center here.
The Volcanoes threatened at 72-74 with 26 seconds left, but the Risers held their ground on split charities by both Achie Ingo and Ryan Batino to tally their third straight victory and climb to 17-9 in the North division.
Batino wound up with 18 points and 13 rebounds as the Camaya Coast-backed Risers inched closer to the fourth-ranked Bulacan Kuyas (17-8).
The jockeying for top four spots is intense because these teams will get homecourt edge in the playoffs of both the North and South division.
Chito Jaime, James Castro, and Byron Villarias also delivered for the Risers with 10 points each.
The Volcanoes, being financed by LCC Malls, got 16 points from Hafer Mondragon, 14 from Ronjay Buenafe and 12 from Alwn Alday.
Despite dropping to an even 13-13 slate, the Volcanoes remained in the magic eight which will advance to the playoffs in the South.
Earlier, the Pasay Voyagers also geared up their playoffs drive with a 61-50 victory over Bacolod Master’s Sardines.
Getting the lift from the hot-shooting Jaypee Belencion, 3 of 3 from 3-point zone and 3 of 4 from short range, Pasay moved beyond recall at 61-46 before allowing Bacolod to score the game’s final points.
Belencion finished with 15 points, followed by Ronnel Jay Lastimosa with 13 and 11 each from Jason Opiso and Elmar Moradas.
Pasay climbed to 14-12, right behind Pasig Sta. Lucia and Caloocan, which shared seventh and eight spots at 14-11.
The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards continued their spirited play and routed the Quezon City Capitals, 92-74, behind twin towers Justin
