Shoemasters fend off Maskarras comeback to end losing streak

Marikina weathered a late Bacolod rally to pull out a 107-100 victory on Monday, snapping its skid in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.

The Shoemasters appeared headed for a comfortable win after opening a 95-86 lead, but the Maskarras mounted a furious fightback behind Desmond Price. The veteran guard poured in 11 unanswered points, including three triples, to slice the deficit to just 99-97 with 1:34 left.

Marikina responded with poise in the closing stretch, scoring eight of the game's final 11 points while limiting Bacolod to one more three-pointer from Price to secure its seventh victory against 11 defeats in the 27-team round-robin tournament.

Jason Strait fueled the Shoemasters' second-half surge, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the third quarter as Marikina turned a 54-52 halftime deficit into an 81-72 advantage entering the fourth.

The 6-foot-4 forward finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists in nearly 28 minutes of action.

Jethro Escoto led the Shoemasters with 21 points, adding four steals, two rebounds, and two assists, while Regie Boy Basibas recorded a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds to go with four assists.

"After the halftime huddle, our coaches told us to keep fighting. I'm grateful to my teammates and coaches for believing in me," Strait said.

Jordan Sta. Ana also filled the stat sheet with 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and four steals, while JR Alabanza contributed 12 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.

Price, who joined Bacolod from Batangas during the trading period, erupted for a game-high 36 points on seven three-pointers while also tallying six assists and four rebounds, but his effort was not enough to prevent the Maskarras from falling to 3-17.

Rafael Go added 13 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists for Bacolod, while Ram Mesqueriola contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Emman Galman and Jeremy Monton chipped in 10 points apiece, with Monton also handing out six assists.

The MPBL resumes on Tuesday at the Navotas Convention Center, where Meycauayan will face San Juan at 4 p.m., Quezon will meet Bataan at 6 p.m., and Zamboanga will take on Sarangani at 8 p.m.