CAINTA, Rizal — Warlo Batac once again proved why he is Pasig City’s go-to player in crunch time, knocking down a clutch game-winning floater to lift Pasig to a dramatic 102-100 victory over Valenzuela City Darkhorse on Monday at One Arena in Cainta.
With the game tied in the closing seconds, Pasig entrusted the final possession to Batac. The veteran guard calmly created space inside the lane before floating in the decisive basket over Valenzuela’s defense, leaving little time for the opposition to answer. The shot capped another memorable finish for Batac, who has built a reputation this season for delivering in high-pressure situations.
Batac finished with an outstanding all-around stat line of 21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, narrowly missing a triple-double while leading Pasig City to its ninth victory against six defeats in the MPBL North Division. His performance earned him Player of the Game, an award presented by SportsPlus PH, the league’s official sportsbook.
Another Signature Clutch Performance
The game-winning floater was more than just the final basket—it was another reminder of Batac’s growing reputation as one of the MPBL’s most reliable closers.
Just days earlier, Batac had also delivered a game-winning layup to secure another victory for Pasig, making this his second consecutive clutch finish in the team’s recent stretch of games. His ability to remain composed in pressure-packed moments has become one of Pasig City’s biggest strengths as the regular season intensifies.
Instead of forcing contested shots throughout the contest, Batac patiently let the game come to him. He consistently attacked the paint, found open teammates, and controlled the tempo whenever Pasig needed stability on offense.
His balanced approach allowed Pasig to stay within striking distance even when Valenzuela managed to build momentum during different stretches of the game.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The matchup between Pasig City and Valenzuela City Darkhorse lived up to expectations as one of the most entertaining games of the evening.
Neither team was able to establish a comfortable advantage, with both squads exchanging scoring runs throughout all four quarters. Every time Pasig appeared ready to pull away, Valenzuela answered with timely baskets and disciplined execution to erase the deficit.
The close contest showcased the competitiveness of the MPBL North Division, where every victory carries significant weight as teams continue battling for playoff positioning.
With both teams refusing to surrender, the outcome remained uncertain until the final possession.
Batac Fills Every Column
Although Batac’s game-winning shot will dominate the highlight reels, his impact extended well beyond the final basket.
His 21 points provided offensive consistency throughout the contest, while his nine rebounds helped Pasig secure important defensive possessions against a physical Valenzuela lineup.
Batac also distributed eight assists, repeatedly creating scoring opportunities for teammates by drawing defenders before making the extra pass.
The near triple-double reflected his complete command of the game, demonstrating his value as both a scorer and facilitator.
His leadership became increasingly evident during crucial possessions late in the fourth quarter, where calm decision-making proved just as important as shot-making.
Pasig Improves to 9-6
The victory lifted Pasig City’s record to 9-6 in the MPBL North Division, keeping the team firmly in the playoff race.
Every win becomes increasingly valuable as the regular season progresses, particularly in a competitive division where only a handful of games separate several playoff hopefuls.
Pasig has shown throughout the season that it can compete with quality opponents, but its recent ability to finish close games may ultimately become one of the team’s biggest advantages entering the postseason.
Winning tight contests builds confidence, and Batac’s late-game heroics continue to reinforce Pasig’s identity as a team capable of executing under pressure.
Valenzuela Shows Resilience
Despite suffering the heartbreaking defeat, Valenzuela City Darkhorse demonstrated why it remains a dangerous opponent.
The Darkhorse matched Pasig’s intensity for the entire game and consistently responded whenever momentum appeared to shift. Their disciplined offense and physical defense forced Pasig to earn every basket, making the eventual game-winner even more significant.
Although Valenzuela fell just short, its performance reflected the competitive balance that has defined the 2026 MPBL season.
Player of the Game Honors
Following the final buzzer, Batac was recognized as the SportsPlus PH Player of the Game after producing one of the league’s best individual performances of the week.
His final numbers—21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists—illustrated his all-around excellence, while the game-winning floater provided the defining moment of the night.
As Pasig City continues its push toward the MPBL playoffs, Batac’s consistency and late-game confidence could prove invaluable. If recent performances are any indication, opponents will have to account not only for his ability to fill the stat sheet but also for his knack for delivering when the game is on the line.
With another clutch victory now added to its campaign, Pasig City continues to build momentum, and Warlo Batac has once again reminded the league why he remains one of the MPBL’s most dependable finishers.
