Akari-Rizal escapes Binan-Tatak Gel, nears automatic WMPBL semis ticket
Akari inched closer to an outright semifinals berth after escaping Biñan-Tatak Gel, 52-48, in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Wednesday night at Hoops Haven in Pasay City.
The Chargers seized solo leadership in the standings with a 7-1 win-loss record and are now just one win away from clinching the first automatic semifinals berth in the tournament supported by Aktive.
Akari-Rizal fended off a late uprising from the Angels, as Monique Del Carmen and Luisa San Juan sparked a rally that trimmed a nine-point deficit from 42-51 down to just three, 48-51, with 20 seconds remaining.
Del Carmen then had to intentionally foul Mar Prado, who split her free throws to ice the game.
(C) WMPBL
“Well, I think we didn’t have a good offensive night today. We shot like 31 percent on field goals. But I have to say, our defense really held on tonight,” said Sparks head coach Derrick Pumaren.
“Our defense negated their offense, kaya I think that’s why we won the ball game,” he added.
Allana Lim spearheaded Akari-Rizal’s charge with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Prado and LJ Candelario chipped in 10 points apiece.
Janine Pontejos added seven points in her second game for the Sparks, while Raiza Palmera-Dy continued to struggle on offense with just four points on 2-of-8 shooting, but still contributed seven assists and six rebounds.
(C) WMPBL
On the other hand, Biñan-Tatak Gel dropped to 5-3 but remained in third place.
Del Carmen led the Angels with 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while San Juan added 10 markers.
The Scores:
Akari-Rizal 52 – Lim 14, Prado 10, Candelario 10, Pontejos 7, Abatayo 4, Palmera-Dy 4, Angeles 2, Sambile 1, Ventura 0, Nagma 0, Del Prado 0
Biñan-Tatak Gel 48 – Del Carmen 15, San Juan 10, Cabinbin 7, Paraiso 4, Abaca 4, Soriano 3, Faraon 3, Domingo 2, Quingco 0, Pacia 0
Quarterscores: 10-8, 25-22, 34-32, 52-48
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