The Marikina Bigz Burger kept its perfect start intact, grinding out a tense 68–65 victory over Zamboanga Sikat in a game that swung wildly before settling into a clutch fourth-quarter finish.
Zamboanga actually seized early control, riding the scoring of Rafael Are and interior activity from Med Salim to take a 21–20 edge after the opening period. Their momentum carried into the second quarter, where they outscored Marikina 17–12 to build a 38–32 halftime cushion. But the third quarter flipped everything.
Marikina stormed back behind efficient inside play from L. Canon and timely perimeter hits, outscoring Zamboanga 21–10 in the period. That surge turned a six-point deficit into a five-point lead entering the final frame, setting up a gritty closing stretch.
Zamboanga refused to fold. Rafael Are continued to attack, and the Sikat trimmed the gap multiple times in the fourth. However, Marikina’s composure held—anchored by key rebounds and defensive stops—allowing them to protect the slim margin until the final buzzer.
Louie Vigil led the way, earning Best Player of the Game honors with 13 points, 5 assists, and steady leadership despite a tough shooting night. He controlled the tempo and delivered in key moments, including a crucial first-quarter three that helped stabilize Marikina early.
Support came from across the roster. Ed Daquiaog paced all scorers for Marikina with 14 points off the bench, while Lander Canon was nearly flawless, finishing with 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting along with 12 rebounds. Deo Timajo added 8 points, including two triples that fueled the comeback.
For Zamboanga, Rafael Are led all scorers with 15 points, while Paul Turco and John Arthur Calisay chipped in 9 apiece. Despite outrebounding Marikina and getting contributions from the bench, their 3-of-23 shooting from beyond the arc proved costly. With the win, Marikina improves to 2–0, while Zamboanga drops to 0–2, still searching for its first victory.
Box Score
Marikina Bigz Burger (68): Daquiaog 14, Vigil 13, Canon 11, Javillonar 8, Timajo 8, Escoto 4, Medina 4, Sarmiento 2, Tateishi 2, Casajeros 2, Tiamzon 0, Esguerra 0, Landayan 0, Navarro 0, Villarente 0
Zamboanga Sikat (65): Are 15, Turco 9, Calisay 9, M. Are 7, Salim 7, Buñag 6, Luciano 4, Felicilda 3, Lazaro 2, Rojas 2, Inigo Jr. 1, Mosqueda 0, Gabat 0, Fornilos 0