By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
WIN Trust and D’Outcast continue their rise in the Madflex Invitational Basketball League 2026 after notching separate thrilling victories over their respective opponents at the Agape Christian School gym on Saturday afternoon.
Win Trust collected its fourth win of the season after edging Hybrid, 69-66.
The opening half featured both teams exchanging buckets. Hybrid attempted to set the tone early, utilizing a balanced attack orchestrated by Apasan and Nuyles in the paint, while Palmes caught fire from beyond the arc with three triples. On the other end, Win Trust matched shot for shot, with consistent perimeter scoring from Ferrer, Claros, De Vero, and Quizon, as it trailed 33-25 at halftime.
Whatever adjustments Win Trust made at the break paid off immediately, as it returned in the second half with a stronger defensive effort. The team clamped down on Hybrid, cutting off passing lanes, forcing contested shots, and capitalizing on stops, beginning with back-to-back three-pointers from Ferrer and Quizon to trim the deficit.
Despite efforts from Hybrid’s Palmes, Padayao, and Philips, who continued to deliver key baskets to stay in contention, Win Trust steadily closed the gap. Inside presence from Claros created problems in the paint, while Ferrer caught fire from deep, sinking five three-pointers as Win Trust took control in the closing minutes and held on for the narrow win.
D’Outcast vs MP Raiders
In the opening game of the day, D’Outcast outlasted MP Raiders in a nail-biting finish, 55-54.
D’Outcast quickly established control, taking a 29-16 lead at halftime.
MP Raiders mounted a second-half push, finding better offensive rhythm to add 38 points after the break. However, D’Outcast’s relentless execution allowed it to maintain the edge.
MP Raiders had a chance to steal the win in the final seconds but missed a crucial shot, and D’Outcast secured the rebound as time expired to seal the victory.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
