The Paranaque Patriots pulled off one of the biggest comeback victories of their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season, rallying from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Negros Hacienderos, 95-94, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Veteran forward James Mangahas spearheaded the Patriots’ comeback with a game-high 20 points, while Domark Matillano delivered the biggest shot of the night, sinking a clutch jumper with just 3.8 seconds remaining to seal the dramatic victory.
The hard-earned win improved Paranaque’s record to 2-18, while Negros dropped to 1-14 after suffering another heartbreaking defeat in the opening game of the MPBL’s latest triple-header.
Patriots Overcome a 19-Point Deficit
It looked like another difficult night for the Patriots after the Hacienderos dominated the early stages of the contest.
Negros built a commanding 57-38 advantage early in the third quarter, controlling the pace through efficient offense and disciplined execution. The Hacienderos appeared well on their way to earning only their second victory of the season.
However, Paranaque refused to back down.
The Patriots tightened their defense while finding their rhythm offensively, gradually trimming the deficit possession by possession. Their relentless effort turned the game into a tightly contested battle entering the fourth quarter.
As the final seconds ticked away, the spotlight shifted to Domark Matillano, who calmly knocked down a mid-range jumper with only 3.8 seconds left on the clock, giving Paranaque a one-point lead.
Negros had one final opportunity to steal the game, but Achie Inigo’s desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer missed the mark, allowing the Patriots to celebrate an emotional comeback victory.
COURTESY: MANILA TIMES
James Mangahas Delivers Best Player Performance
Although Matillano hit the game-winning basket, it was James Mangahas who provided the offensive spark that fueled Paranaque’s second-half resurgence.
Mangahas finished with:
- 20 points
- 6 rebounds
The veteran forward exploded for 12 points in the third quarter, helping the Patriots erase what once looked like an insurmountable deficit. His consistent scoring and leadership earned him Best Player of the Game honors.
Whenever Paranaque needed a timely basket to keep its comeback alive, Mangahas answered the call.
Domark Matillano Provides the Heroics
While Mangahas carried much of the scoring load, Domark Matillano saved his biggest contribution for the closing seconds.
The 5-foot-11 guard from the Philippine Merchant Marine School showcased his composure under pressure by sinking the game-winning jumper that completed Paranaque’s stunning rally.
Matillano finished with an impressive all-around stat line:
- 14 points
- 6 assists
- 4 rebounds
His playmaking kept the Patriots organized throughout the game, while his clutch shot became the defining moment of the contest.
Balanced Attack Lifts the Patriots
Paranaque also received valuable production from several key contributors.
Jomar Santos recorded another double-double with:
- 17 points
- 12 rebounds
Homegrown standout Paolo Castro added:
- 13 points
- 2 rebounds
Meanwhile, Marlon Monte chipped in:
- 12 points
- 3 rebounds
- 2 assists
Japanese big man Ryusei Koga nearly posted a double-double of his own with:
- 9 points
- 9 rebounds
The Patriots’ balanced scoring proved crucial as five players reached double figures or came close, making it difficult for Negros to focus its defense on just one player.
Alvarez, Caduyac Shine Despite Negros Loss
The defeat overshadowed another outstanding offensive effort by the Negros Hacienderos.
Michael Alvarez paced the Hacienderos with:
- 27 points
- 7 rebounds
- 2 assists
Point guard Reymar Caduyac also delivered an excellent all-around performance, recording:
- 17 points
- 9 assists
- 6 rebounds
Both players helped Negros build and maintain a sizeable lead for much of the contest, but the Hacienderos struggled to contain Paranaque’s momentum during the closing minutes.
After Matillano’s go-ahead basket, Negros still had a chance to escape with the victory. Achie Inigo launched a potential game-winning three-pointer as time expired, but the shot bounced off the rim, ending the Hacienderos’ hopes.
A Confidence-Boosting Win for Paranaque
Although the Patriots remain near the bottom of the MPBL standings, the victory could serve as a turning point for a team that has endured a challenging campaign.
Coming back from a 19-point deficit demonstrated the resilience, determination, and fighting spirit of the Paranaque squad. The combination of Mangahas’ leadership, Matillano’s late-game heroics, and balanced contributions from the supporting cast allowed the Patriots to earn one of their most memorable victories this season.
For Negros, the loss was another painful setback. Despite controlling much of the game and receiving strong performances from Alvarez and Caduyac, the Hacienderos were unable to protect their lead, falling to 1-14.
MPBL Action Heads to Cebu
Following the thrilling contest at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, the MPBL caravan now moves to the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City for another exciting double-header.
The scheduled games feature:
- Batangas City vs. Basilan at 5:00 p.m.
- Host Cebu vs. Binan at 7:00 p.m.
With teams continuing their race for playoff positioning, fans can expect another action-packed day as the MPBL season rolls on, following one of its most exciting comeback victories featuring the Paranaque Patriots.
