The Sarangani Marlins came out strong in the first half, establishing a lead and holding a 51-42 advantage at the break. Their strong offensive showing presented a challenge for the Risers.
However, the Bataan Risers refused to be deterred. They emerged from the locker room with renewed energy and a dominant performance in the second half. They outscored the Marlins by a significant margin, effectively flipping the scoreboard and securing the victory.
Homegrown player Jamil Gabawan was a key factor in Bataan's second-half surge. He showcased his versatility with a well-rounded stat line of 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. His presence on both ends of the court provided a significant boost for the Risers.
Yves Sazon, another homegrown talent, emerged as the top scorer for Bataan. He poured in a game-high 15 points, demonstrating his offensive capabilities. Sazon also contributed four rebounds and three assists, adding to his scoring prowess.
Not to be outdone, Jeff Santos showcased his scoring prowess, chipping in with 13 points while also making notable contributions in rebounds and assists.
Despite their strong start, the Sarangani Marlins' lead eventually crumbled in the face of Bataan's second-half dominance. Ryan Isaac Sual led their scoring effort with 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Felix John Villarente chipped in with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but their efforts weren't enough to overcome Bataan's determined comeback.
This victory is a significant moment for the Bataan Risers. Not only does it mark their first win of the season, but it also showcases their potential as a competitive team. With strong homegrown talent and a never-say-die attitude, the Risers have positioned themselves for a promising season.
Both the Bataan Risers and the Sarangani Marlins will look to build on their performances as the MPBL season progresses. On April 12, the Risers will aim to maintain their momentum against Bacolod City, while the Marlins will look to learn from this loss and bounce back against Mindoro.
WATCH: Sarangani vs. Bataan Game Highlights
The Scores:
Bataan 90 - Sazon 15, Santos 13, Gabawan 11, Maynes 11, Ramos 10, Vera 8, Darang 6, A . Bringas 5, C . Bringas 4, Torrado 3, Paguio Jr 2, Acuno2 , Castro 0, Lastimosa 0, Octobre 0.
Sarangani 80 - Sual 18, Villarente 15, Galang 9, Roque 7, Alves 7, Destacamento 6, Madayag 6, Peralta 5, Jumao - As 4, Diputado 3, Bulawan 0, San Felipe 0.