Risers fend off Bulanadi, Steel

MANILA, Philippines — The Bataan Risers survived Allyn Bulanadi’s fourth-quarter outburst to subdue the Basilan Steel, 91-83, and bolster their playoffs drive in the Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season on Thursday at Bataan People’s Center in Balanga, Bataan.

Ahead by as many as 22 points and enjoying a 67-47 cushion entering the final frame, the Risers saw Bulanadi erupt for 23 points, including the Steel’s last 16, and push Basilan closer, 83-89, with 24 seconds to go.

Bulanadi’s efforts fell short, however, as Joseph Nalos canned two charities with 20 seconds left to ensure Bataan’s 15th win against nine losses in the North division, the same as Basilan in the South division of the 31-team league.

John Bryon Villarias led the Camaya Coast-supported Risers with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists, followed by Chito Jaime with 13 points and Reed Juntilla with 12.

The 6-foot-2 Bulanadi, latest hotshot out of San Sebastian College, wound up with 26 points and 3 rebounds for the Jumbo Plastics-backed Steel, who saw their six-game win run broken.

In other games, the Mindoro Tamaraws repulsed the Rizal Golden Coolers, 74-73, while the Biñan City Luxxe White subdued the Caloocan Supremos, 72-68.

Staring at a 67-73 deficit, the Golden Coolers clustered six points to knot the count. Richard Abanes, however, canned the second of his two free throws with two seconds to go for the marginal point.