San Juan and Rizal Secure Playoff Spots with End-of-Season Wins in MPBL 2025

The San Juan Knights and Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers both concluded their elimination round campaigns with wins on Monday at the Marikina Sports Center, ensuring their spots in the playoffs of the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season.

San Juan dominated the Marikina Shoemasters 78-61, improving their record to 26-3 and securing third place in the North Division. They trail only the Abra Weavers (27-1) and Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (27-2) in the round-robin phase of the 30-team, two-division tournament.

The Knights were led by Arvin Gamboa, who posted 18 points and eight rebounds, while Orlan Wamar contributed 10 points and nine assists. AC Soberano and Raul Soyud also added nine and eight points, respectively. Marikina, ending their season at 4-25, received 12 points and eight rebounds each from Karl Penano and Jay Yutuc.

In the nightcap, the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers narrowly edged the Bacolod Tubo Slashers 78-72 to hold onto third place in the South Division with a 19-10 record. They remain behind leaders Quezon Huskers (25-4) and Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters (19-10).

Michael Canete spearheaded Rizal’s effort with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, complemented by Alwyn Alday’s 11 points and Neil Tolentino’s all-around contribution of eight points, seven rebounds, and four steals. John Apacible chipped in eight points and seven boards. Bacolod ended their campaign at 7-22, with John Lemuel Pastias leading with 15 points.

Earlier, the Davao Occidental Tigers overcame a late surge from the Quezon City Galeries Taipans to claim a 97-91 victory. Despite trailing after the Taipans went on a 13-point run in the fourth quarter, the Tigers regained control with key baskets from Wowie Escosio. The victory moved Davao Occidental to 12-17, positioning them ninth in the South Division. They will face the tenth-seed Cebu Classic (11-18) in the upcoming play-in.

Joseph Terso starred for the Tigers, tallying 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Escosio added a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, supported by Harold Arboleda and Jeff Comia.

Quezon City, finishing at 7-22, had notable performances from Jeff Javillonar who scored 17 points with seven rebounds, and Nino Ibanez contributing 10 points and six rebounds.

The MPBL elimination round wraps up Tuesday at the Robert Estrella Memorial Gymnasium with Mindoro facing Abra at 4 p.m., followed by Pangasinan hosting Caloocan at 6 p.m.