Shawn Argente drilled in a lethal three-pointer from way out with 12.3 seconds left as the Meycauayan Marilao Gems bested the Pasay Voyagers, 82-77, and revved up their playoff drive in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2026 Season late Wednesday at the Pasay Astrodome.

That dagger trey sent the local crowd heading to the exits, with the Gems salvaging their ninth win in 16 starts and climbing to sixth place in the North division standings of the 27-team tournament.

Agem Miranda had earlier put the Gems back in control, 79-77, following another triple with 1:39 left.

The 24-year-old Argente, a former star of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, finished with 19 points and three rebounds and was chosen the SportsPlus Best Player over Miranda, who had 15 points, seven assists and two rebounds.

“My killer instinct set in,” the 5-foot-9 two-way guard said. “I’ll be having a good night’s sleep.”

Homegrown Jeric Serrano supported with nine points, and so did Robin Nayve and Jayson Apolonio with seven each for the Gems, who trail the Abra Solid North Weavers (13-1), San Juan Knights (12-1), Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (14-2), Ilagan Isabela Cowboys (10-6) and Pasig City (8-6).

It was a pulsating victory for the Gems, who kept their composure after wasting a 43-29 spread late in the second quarter and allowing the Voyagers to seize control at 69-64.

Rence Alcoriza carried Pasay’s offensive load in the absence of Top Gun Christian Fajarito and ended up with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists, followed by Kriss Gurtiza with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists, and Lennard Santiago, with 13 points plus five rebounds.

Meanwhile, Biñan Tatak Gel warmed up each quarter and torched Manila Batang Quiapo, 129-85, to extend their hot run to 10 and rise to 13-3.