Bataan Risers defeated Marikina Verdiamonds 99-78 in the MPBL on Tuesday, September 8th. The away side moved into 10th place while the hosts remained in 11th. Both teams have played 19 games this season.
The result tightens the gap in the lower half of the table. Bataan now sits one position above Marikina, though both sides have collected no points beyond their win-loss records. The visitors did not travel to make up the numbers.
Marikina have struggled for consistency. They lost 92-80 to Pasiq City and 87-69 to Pasay Voyagers in their last two outings. Only against Manila Batang Kiaho did they find a winning rhythm, posting 108-84.
Bataan have been harder to beat recently. Their 65-63 victory over Batangas City came after a 94-87 win against Zamboanga Sikat. They have extended their unbeaten run through five matches.
The margin of victory suggests Bataan controlled the game from start to finish. Marikina's defence offered little resistance, while their attack failed to keep pace. The result leaves both sides still searching for form in the standings.