Gems Heat Up from Deep, Overpower Golden Coolers

The Meycauayan Marilao Gems ignited from beyond the arc, securing a 91-81 victory over the Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers on Friday at the Victory Coliseum in San Rafael, Bulacan, during the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 season.

Fueled by sharpshooter Shawn Argente, the Gems hit 14 of 31 three-point attempts and surged to a commanding 65-40 lead before cruising to their fourth win against three losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Their perimeter shooting proved decisive, producing 42 points from deep with a 45.2-percent clip. In contrast, the Golden Coolers managed just 8 of 23 triples for 24 points at 34.8 percent.

Argente, a 24-year-old Jose Rizal University alumnus, tallied 22 points on six three-pointers and earned Best Player of the Game honors. He received strong support from Jayson Apolonio, who contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists, and Agem Miranda, who added 13 points, nine assists, and two rebounds.

Robi Nayve, Jimboy Pasturan, and Felix Apreku each chipped in eight points, helping the Gems climb into the upper half of the standings, trailing the unbeaten Caloocan Batang Kankaloo and Gensan Warriors (both 7-0) and the Quezon Huskers (4-0).

For the Golden Coolers, who fell to 3-3, Laurenz Victoria led with 15 points and three assists, while Jolo Mendoza and JP Sarao contributed 14 points apiece.

With Argente and Nayve at the forefront, the Gems converted 10 of 19 three-point attempts, including a four-shot streak to close the first half, opening a 52-32 halftime margin.

MPBL action continues Saturday at the Orion Sports Complex, featuring Paranaque vs. Marikina at 4 p.m., Bacolod vs. San Juan at 6 p.m., and host Bataan against Binan at 8 p.m.