Gems Pull Away in Final Quarter to Extend Winning Streak to Four After Shoemasters Victory

The Meycauayan–Marilao Gems continued their impressive run on Monday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.

They overcame the Marikina Shoemasters 92–76 in a fiercely contested matchup, extending their winning streak to four games and improving their record to 6–3 in the playoff hunt.

The Gems broke the game open in the fourth quarter, surging to a 77–56 lead. Agem Miranda scored 10 of his 21 points during the decisive period, while Jimboy Pasturan contributed eight of his 13 points. The contest grew tense, resulting in four player ejections for double technical and disqualifying fouls.

Other notable contributors for Meycauayan–Marilao included MJ Dela Virgen with 18 points, Migs Corteza with 14, and Robin Nayve with 13.

For Marikina, suffering their third consecutive defeat, Louie Vigil and RR Casajeros each scored 11 points, while Jeff Javilonar and Ace Russell Tiamzon added 10 points apiece.

In the nightcap, Ian Melencio recorded a triple-double as the Bacolod Maskarras edged out the Negros Hacienderos 99–87, moving to a 3–8 record.

The 37-year-old Melencio finished with 14 points, 14 assists, and 15 rebounds, earning Best Player honors over Emman Galman, who had 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Ram Mesqueriola added 22 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Khenth Guiab and Kurt Lactaotao contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Negros, still searching for a win, fell to 0–7 despite 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists from Carl Joshua Alattica, 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds from Rev Diputado, 12 points from Anthony White, and 10 points each from Brandrey Bienes and Winston Baltazar.

The MPBL returns to One Arena Cainta on Tuesday with a triple-header: Bulacan vs. Zamboanga at 4 p.m., Batangas vs. Mindoro at 6 p.m., and Biñan vs. Iloilo at 8 p.m.