Marikina edges Valenzuela, boosts playoff bid

The Marikina Shoemasters kept their playoff aspirations alive after fending off the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 88-83, on Wednesday in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.

Valenzuela trimmed the deficit to just one point, 84-83, in the closing moments, but Regie Boy Basibas responded with a clutch short jumper before Jethro Escoto knocked down two free throws with 5.7 seconds left to seal the victory for Marikina.

The triumph lifted the Shoemasters to a 6-10 record in the 27-team round-robin elimination phase, keeping them in the hunt for a postseason berth.

Basibas, the former University of Santo Tomas standout, earned Best Player of the Game honors after posting a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds while adding three assists.

Escoto paced Marikina with 23 points, including 15 in the third quarter, and also contributed four assists, three steals, and two rebounds.

Jordan Sta. Ana added 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Jason Strait and Alvin Pasaol chipped in eight points each.

The loss dropped Valenzuela to 8-8 despite another strong showing from Shaq Alanes, who finished with 22 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

CJ Alattica contributed 20 points and three rebounds, Angelo Obuyes scored 13 points, while Ian Melencio tallied 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

The tournament continues Thursday at the Batangas City Coliseum, where Biñan faces Bulacan at 4 p.m., Basilan takes on Zamboanga at 6 p.m., and Meycauayan-Marilao battles Batangas at 8 p.m.