Manzano Sparks Huskers to Hold Off Gems’ Late Rally

Cedrick Manzano delivered a standout all-around performance to lead Quezon Province to an 84-75 victory over Meycauayan-Marilao, kicking off Friday’s 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) slate at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Manzano paced the Huskers with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, keeping Quezon composed in the closing minutes as the game tightened.

Meycauayan-Marilao threatened late, narrowing the gap to 74-73 after a Shawn Argente triple and two free throws from Agem Miranda with 2:52 remaining. But Quezon answered with a decisive 10-0 run to put the game out of reach.

Joshua Yerro and Judel Fuentes led the surge, hitting consecutive triples to ignite the Huskers and restore control. Fuentes finished with 18 points, nine assists, and four rebounds, while Yerro added 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Their combined effort secured Quezon’s strong start to the season.

For Meycauayan-Marilao, the loss dropped them to 2-3 despite solid contributions from Miranda, who tallied 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Argente chipped in 15 points, four rebounds, five steals, and three assists, while Jayson Apolonio added 11 points.