Gems Dominate Imus Yangkee for Eighth Win

The Meycauayan–Marilao Gems delivered a commanding performance, routing the Imus Yangkee 120–75 on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila to secure their eighth victory in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season.

Sparked by Agem Miranda’s triple-double and double-double efforts from Jayson Apolonio and Felix Apreku, the Gems pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back, cruising through the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.

The win strengthened Meycauayan–Marilao’s position at fifth place in the North Division, trailing Caloocan (12–1), Abra Solid North (10–1), San Juan (9–1), and Pasig City (7–3). They now sit at 8–4 overall.

Miranda, a former JRU standout, starred with 23 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season and second as a pro, earning Best Player honors.

Apolonio contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Apreku added 10 points and 14 rebounds. Shawn Kenneth Argente poured in 14 points, Jeric Serrano had 12 points and 5 assists, and Patrick Ramos also scored 12.

The Gems completely controlled the game, dominating the boards 68–30 and holding Imus to just 12 points in the second quarter. Imus suffered its ninth straight loss and fell to a dismal 2–11 record.

Joseph Mark Marquez led the Yangkee with 22 points, while Ian Pardo, Joewish Gracia, and Jaypee Belencion each reached double figures.

The MPBL resumes action on Tuesday at the Pasay Astrodome with Bulacan vs. Ilagan Isabela (4 p.m.), Manila vs. Parañaque (6 p.m.), and Pasay vs. Cebu (8 p.m.).