Huskers extend winning streak, Gems complete late comeback in MPBL action

The Quezon Huskers continued their strong run in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season after defeating the Bulacan Kuyas, 88-63, on Wednesday at the Malolos Convention Center in Bulacan.

Led by Judel Fuentes, the Huskers built a commanding lead that reached 28 points, 86-58, en route to their fifth straight victory. The win improved the defending back-to-back South Division champions to 13-2, keeping them close behind Batangas City Tanduay Athletics (14-2) in the race for the division’s playoff spots.

Fuentes led Quezon with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

"We're always ready as our coaches urge us to give everything during practices," said Fuentes. "We really need to play well and adapt as we're going up against San Juan in our next game."

Jolo Manansala added 12 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Cyrus Tabi contributed 10 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Cedric Manzano also provided a strong all-around performance with nine points, 15 rebounds, and three assists.

Bulacan scored the opening basket, but Quezon quickly answered with a 12-0 run and maintained control the rest of the way.

The defeat dropped the Kuyas to 14-3 despite a strong outing from Jonathan Medina, who finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Benedict Benedictos added 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Jeremy Cruz had 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Meanwhile, the Meycauayan Marilao Gems pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat Pasig, 105-100, in the second game.

Trailing 96-82 with 2:58 left, the Gems closed the game on a 23-4 run, with Shawn Argente scoring 11 points during the surge, to secure their 10th win in 18 games.

The victory kept Meycauayan Marilao in the North Division playoff race, behind Abra Solid North (15-1), San Juan (14-1), Caloocan (17-2), Ilagan Isabela (12-6), and Pasig (9-7).

Argente, a 23-year-old former Jose Rizal University Heavy Bomber, led the Gems with 30 points on five three-pointers and two rebounds.

"My coaches and my teammates give me the confidence to shoot," said Argente. "Of course, I've been practicing those shots."

Pasig appeared in control after building a 94-78 lead with 3:40 remaining behind Warlo Batac.

But the Gems refused to give up, as Argente, Robin Nayve, and Agem Miranda sparked the comeback. Miranda gave Meycauayan Marilao the lead with a go-ahead jumper for a 98-96 advantage with 1:06 left.

Michael Lambino tied the game with two free throws, but Argente responded with a clutch three-pointer that put the Gems ahead for good.

Batac led Pasig with 25 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Jacob Galicia added 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Ahron Estacio finished with 14 points, seven assists, and two rebounds. Lambino posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.