The playoffs is approaching in Women’s Maharlika Basketball League during the first playdate of Week 6 as both Pilipinas Aguilas and Discovery Perlas have now secured a Top 2 finish in Group A.
As we are now getting a clearer picture of the Top 4 playoff spots per Group, which teams came out victorious last February 26?
Lady Magdalos’ Playoff Hopes Continue
Another game winner in WMPBL was made by Nikka Villanueva of the Imus Lady Magdalo as they survived against the CEU Lady Scorpions and they’ve also kept their playoff hopes alive.
A clutch floater was delivered by Villanueva to give her squad the lead, 79 – 78. With 6.3 seconds remaining in the clock, the 2 point shot of Moahna Cadano of CEU failed to go in as Imus penultimately got the win.
The shot of Villanueva gave her a total of 12 points as her teammate Khat Cantimbuhan led the Lady Magdalos with 26 points, four 3 pointers as well as grabbing 4 boards. Another major contributor for Imus is Annie Pamaran with 10 points.
The Lady Scorpions got multiple double digits on their squad. Jerrell Banih had 14 points and 4 rebounds. Jhiane Ferolino almost had a triple double as she tallied 13 points, 10 assists and 8 boards. Krizzyann Bautista scored 10 points while Cadano was almost everywhere on the floor as she recorded 5 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. But all of that will go to waste as she couldn’t make the most important basket to give her team the win.
Imus improves to 2-3 while CEU goes down with 1-4.
Clash of Titans: Aguilas outlasts Tigresses
Entering the game, Pilipinas Aguilas were 3-1 and the UST Growling Tigresses haven’t been defeated yet with 3 wins. In the end, Aguilas proved too much as 2 of their players recorded a double-double in order to get the 82 – 75 win.
Mar Prado had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Chack Cabinbin recorded 10 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Alexis Pana led the Aguias with 20 points shooting 53% from the field, grabbing 5 boards, dishing out 8 dimes and even getting a steal and a block. Kem Adishima also almost had a double-double performance as she had 12 points and 9 rebounds.
For the side of UST, Kent Pastrana struggled as she only shot 7/21 (33%) in her 19 points along with 4 assists and 3 boards. Nicole Danganan had 14 points, Eka Soriano scored 13 points and Vergen Maglupay was the last double digit scorer for the Tigresses with 11.
Aguilas now is 4-1 and UST suffers their first loss and goes down 3-1.
Discovery Proves Too Much for Skyrisers
Discovery Perlas had two 20 plus scorers in their 74 – 67 victory against the Galeries Tower Skyrisers.
Allan Lim and Raiza Palmera-Dy carried the scoring load for Discovery. Lim had 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while Palmera-Dy, which was named the Best Player of the Game tallied 20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Tantoy Ferrer also helped with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 points.
For the Skyrisers, Ambie Almazan had a double-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Fria Bernardo had 11 points and Princess Fabruada had 9 points.
Discovery’s win gave them a winning record of 4-1 while the Skyrisers became 3-1
Who’ll get the last Playoff Tickets?
Out of the two Groups, only 4 teams will advance in the Playoffs. Group A now has secured the Top 2 teams while the last 2 playoff spots are all up for grabs.
Group A
- Pilipinas Aguilas (4-1)
- Discovery Perlas (4-1)
- ?
- ?
FEU Lady Tamaraws, Cavite ‘Tol Lady Patriots, Solar Home Suns share the same record of 1-3 and the CEU Lady Scorpions with a 1-4 are all still in contention. PSP Gymers have been officially eliminated with a record of 0 wins and 5 losses.
On the other hand in Group B, there’s only one sure team locked in for the playoffs as the other 4 Playoff spots are still undecided.
Group B
- Philippine Navy Lady Sailors (5-1)
- ?
- ?
- ?
New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries with 4-1, somehow assured as well in the Playoffs. Galeries Tower Skyrisers, UST Growling Tigresses, San Juan Lady Knights all with a record of 3-1. Imus Lady Magdalo, despite being 2-3 are still in contention. And EZ Jersey Relentless have also been officially eliminated with 0 wins and 4 losses.
Week 6 Action Dictates Playoff Seedings
The Week 6 games continue on March 2 2025 (Sunday). Discovery Perlas gets back in action against New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries at 4:00 PM. A crucial match will happen between the Solar Home Suns and the UST Growling Tigresses at 6:00 PM. While the Cavite ‘Tol Lady Patriots plans to keep EZ Jersey Relentless winless at 8:00 PM.
