Imus Agimat Edge Negros Muscovados 68-66 in MPBL Thriller

The Imus Agimat delivered a composed late-game showing to defeat the Negros Muscovados 68-66 in their Philippines MPBL showdown on September 3, 2026. In a contest defined by defensive grit and razor-thin margins, the visiting side made the critical plays down the stretch to escape with a hard-earned road victory.

Neither team ever managed to take full control. Imus Agimat set the tone early by applying full-court pressure, while the Muscovados countered with aggressive work on the offensive glass and a steady diet of interior scoring. The result was a physical, stop-for-stop battle that stayed within a couple of possessions for almost the entire afternoon.

How the Game Was Won

The Agimat leaned on a disciplined fourth-quarter defense and timely shot-making in the final two minutes. After Negros trimmed the lead to a single point with under a minute remaining, Imus forced a difficult contested jumper and converted just enough free throws to protect the lead. A last-ditch three-point attempt by the Muscovados at the buzzer rattled out, sealing the two-point win for the visitors.

Key Moments

• Early rhythm for Imus: The Agimat opened the game with back-to-back three-pointers, forcing Negros to abandon its initial zone pressure.
• Muscovados answer inside: A stretch of six straight points in the paint gave Negros a slim halftime edge and increased the physicality of the contest.
• Clutch run down the stretch: With the score tied in the final four minutes, Imus guard Jayson San Juan knocked down a step-back triple and followed it with a driving layup to give his team a lead they would not surrender.
• Final defensive stop: The Agimat forced a tough, contested three at the horn to preserve the 68-66 scoreline.

Standout Performers

San Juan finished as the game’s leading scorer with 21 points, providing most of Imus Agimat’s offense whenever the Muscovados threatened to break the game open. Keith Aguilar added 14 points off the bench, including two crucial triples in the third quarter that kept the visitors within reach.

For the Negros Muscovados, wing player Troy Valdueza led the way with 18 points and 9 rebounds, using his size advantage to create second-chance opportunities. Center Mark Quimbo contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, but the home side could not find a reliable perimeter answer in the closing minutes.

What It Means for the MPBL Standings

The win is a significant boost for Imus Agimat, who showed the kind of road resilience that matters in the tight MPBL playoff race. Negros Muscovados, meanwhile, will look back on a contest they controlled for long stretches but could not finish. The result tightens the standings in their group and raises the stakes for both teams heading into the next round of league fixtures.

For Imus, this was a statement that their defense can travel. For Negros, it is an early-season lesson about closing out games in critical moments.