Shoemasters hang tough, pip Darkhorse

Marikina bested Valenzuela City in the homestretch to prevail, 88-83, in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2026 Season on Wednesday at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal Province.

The Darkhorse threatened at 83-84, but the Shoemasters’ Regie Boy Basibas responded with a short jumper and Jethro Escoto pegged the final count with two charities, only 5.7 seconds left.

Marikina chalked up its sixth win in 16 starts in the round-robin elimination phase, injecting fuel into its sputtering playoff bid in the two-division, 27-team tournament.

The 6-foot-4 Basibas, a former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tiger, wound up with 14 points, 14 rebounds and three assists, and was chosen the SportsPlus Best Player over Escoto, who posted 23 points, 15 in the third quarter, four assists, three steals and two rebounds.

Jordan Sta. Ana supported with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists, followed by Jason Strait and Alvin Pasaol with eight points each.

Valenzuela fell to an even 8-8 slate despite Shaq Alanes’ 22 points, three rebounds and two assists, CJ Alattica’s 20 points and three rebounds, Angelo Obuyes’ 13 points and two rebounds, and Ian Melencio’s 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.