The Pasay Voyagers returned to the win column in thrilling fashion as Rence Alcoriza erupted in the fourth quarter to power his team to an 89-84 victory over the Bulacan Kuyas in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) on Wednesday night at the Pasay Astrodome.
After suffering a setback in their previous outing, the Voyagers responded with one of their grittiest performances of the season. Led by Alcoriza’s clutch shooting and a balanced offensive effort, Pasay erased a fourth-quarter deficit to improve to 10-9 in the standings.
The victory was significant not only because it ended Pasay’s losing spell but also because it snapped the team’s five-game home losing streak. It marked the Voyagers’ first win at the Pasay Astrodome since defeating the Parañaque Patriots on their home court last April.
Meanwhile, the Bulacan Kuyas continued to struggle, falling to 4-12 after absorbing their fifth consecutive defeat despite another competitive performance.
Rence Alcoriza Delivers in Winning Time
When Pasay needed someone to take control, Rence Alcoriza answered the call.
The veteran guard finished with a game-high 20 points, knocking down four three-pointers while adding three assists to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Although he contributed throughout the contest, it was his outstanding performance in the final quarter that proved to be the difference.
Bulacan entered the fourth quarter holding a 69-65 advantage after outscoring Pasay in the third period. With momentum clearly on the visitors’ side, Alcoriza caught fire at the perfect time.
He buried consecutive perimeter shots to spark the comeback before attacking the basket for key finishes inside. Every basket came when the Voyagers desperately needed one, helping shift momentum back to the home team.
His confidence spread throughout the lineup as Pasay slowly regained control of the game.
Pasay Closes Strong After Fourth-Quarter Rally
Facing a four-point deficit entering the final 10 minutes, the Voyagers delivered an impressive response.
Pasay outscored Bulacan 24-15 in the fourth quarter, combining timely outside shooting with disciplined defense to complete the comeback.
One of the biggest factors was the team’s success from beyond the arc. The Voyagers knocked down 12 three-pointers, compared to Bulacan’s eight, with several coming during the decisive closing stretch.
Every made shot seemed to energize the crowd at the Pasay Astrodome, as the Voyagers slowly pulled away in front of their home supporters.
COURTESY: TIE BREAKER TIMES
Christian Fajarito Records Another Double-Double
While Alcoriza stole the spotlight, Christian Fajarito quietly produced another complete performance.
The hardworking forward finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals, recording a double-double while making his presence felt on both ends of the floor.
Fajarito repeatedly secured defensive rebounds that prevented Bulacan from earning second-chance opportunities. He also converted several important baskets during Pasay’s comeback, giving the Voyagers valuable support whenever the offense stalled.
His defensive activity created transition opportunities that helped swing the momentum in Pasay’s favor during the final quarter.
Balanced Contributions Lift the Voyagers
Pasay’s victory was also the result of strong contributions across the roster.
Steve Nash Enriquez added 11 points and four assists, serving as the team’s steady floor general throughout the contest. With Bulacan attempting one final comeback in the closing seconds, Enriquez calmly knocked down three clutch free throws to put the game beyond reach.
Lennard Santiago chipped in 10 points, providing reliable scoring throughout all four quarters.
Meanwhile, Nico Quinal contributed seven points, including a timely three-pointer that helped fuel Pasay’s decisive run in the fourth period.
Additional scoring came from Gonzales (6 points), Gurtiza (5), Hilario (4), Manliguez (4), Dela Cruz (4), and Parks (2) as the Voyagers displayed impressive offensive balance.
Bulacan Shows Fight Despite Another Loss
The Bulacan Kuyas once again proved they could compete despite their difficult season.
Airohn Acop led the visitors with 19 points, consistently attacking the defense while keeping his team within striking distance.
Mart James Barrera added 13 points, while William Sy Jr. finished with 12, giving Bulacan three players in double figures.
The Kuyas also received contributions from Cruz (8 points), Moralejo (7), Benedictos (6), Medina (5), De Leon (5), Gonzales (3), Andrei Acop (2), Sarmiento (2), Espinosa (1), and Castillo (1).
Statistically, Bulacan matched Pasay in several important categories. Both teams grabbed 40 rebounds and recorded 19 assists, highlighting how evenly contested the matchup was.
However, the difference came in ball security.
Bulacan committed 16 turnovers, allowing Pasay to capitalize on extra possessions and convert several transition opportunities during the game’s closing stretch.
Enriquez Seals the Victory
Even after Pasay built a late advantage, Bulacan refused to give up.
The Kuyas cut the deficit to just four points inside the final minute, raising hopes of another dramatic comeback.
But Enriquez kept his composure under pressure, sinking three consecutive free throws to extinguish Bulacan’s rally and secure the Voyagers’ return to the win column.
Those final free throws completed an outstanding comeback that showcased Pasay’s resilience after trailing entering the fourth quarter.
A Confidence-Boosting Win for Pasay
Beyond improving to 10-9, Wednesday night’s victory represented an important turning point for the Pasay Voyagers.
Ending a five-game home losing streak at the Pasay Astrodome gives the team renewed confidence as the MPBL elimination round enters its crucial stages. More importantly, Pasay demonstrated that it can execute under pressure, with multiple players stepping up when the game mattered most.
Alcoriza’s explosive fourth-quarter scoring, Fajarito’s double-double, Enriquez’s late free throws, and strong team defense combined to produce one of the Voyagers’ most important victories of the season.
For Bulacan, the loss extended its skid to five games, but the Kuyas once again showed flashes of competitiveness. If they can reduce their turnovers and finish games stronger, they remain capable of challenging opponents despite their current record.
As the MPBL season continues, Pasay will look to build on this momentum, while Bulacan hopes to regroup and finally put an end to its losing streak.
Box Score
Pasay Voyagers (89):
Alcoriza 20, Fajarito 16, Enriquez 11, Santiago 10, Quinal 7, Gonzales 6, Gurtiza 5, Hilario 4, Manliguez 4, Dela Cruz 4, Parks 2, Martel 0, Paolo 0, Pili 0, Montaño 0.
Bulacan Kuyas (84):
Airohn Acop 19, Barrera 13, Sy Jr. 12, Cruz 8, Moralejo 7, Benedictos 6, Medina 5, De Leon 5, Gonzales 3, Andrei Acop 2, Sarmiento 2, Espinosa 1, Castillo 1, Ibe 0, Esguerra 0.
