Black Bulls Rally from 10-Point Deficit, Upset Shoemasters

The Quezon City Black Bulls mounted a comeback from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Marikina Shoemasters, 85-79, on Tuesday, continuing their ascent in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the Pasay Astrodome.

With the win, the Black Bulls secured their second consecutive victory after starting the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament with two losses.

Trailing 55-65 early in the fourth quarter, Quezon City relied on Brian Rosalin and Christian Jake Agoncillo to tie the game at 67. Aeron Bagunu then hit a key three-pointer to give the Black Bulls a 79-77 lead.

Marikina’s JR Alabanza made one of two free throws to tie the game at 79 with 49 seconds left, but the Shoemasters failed to score again. The Black Bulls capitalized, closing the game with six straight points, including two free throws each from Bagunu and Pat Buena to seal the win.

Agoncillo, a standout from the University of Makati and Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, earned Best Player honors with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals. He was supported by MJ Joson, who contributed 13 points, five assists, three steals, and two rebounds; Rosalin, who added 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists; and Joeben Loria, who chipped in 10 points and six rebounds.

Despite the loss, Marikina, now 2-2, was led by Louie Vigil, who posted 18 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Jeff Javillonar added 10 points and six rebounds.

The MPBL moves to the Baliwag Star Arena on Wednesday, with the Manila-Iloilo game at 4 p.m., Sarangani facing Ilagan Isabela at 6 p.m., and Imus going up against host Bulacan at 8 p.m.