By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Marikina Shoemasters weathered Bacolod Masskara’s spirited comeback to prevail 107-100 and rev up their sputtering drive in the SportsPlus MPBL 2026 Season at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal province on Monday, July 13.

Just when the Shoemasters appeared cruising to victory, 95-86, Desmond Price staged a one-man assault, pouring in 11 straight points, highlighted by three triples, that pushed Masskara to within 97-99 with still one minute and 34 seconds left.

However, the Shoemasters kept their composure, scoring eight points against another triple by Price in the last one minute and six seconds to secure their seventh win against 11 losses.

Jason Strait pumped in 14 points in the third quarter and shoved Marikina ahead, 81-72, from a 52-54 halftime deficit.

He finished with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes and 53 seconds of play to be named Player of the Game.

Jethro Escoto added 21 points, four steals, two rebounds, and two assists, while Regie Boy Basibas contributed 15 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.

“After the [halftime] huddle, the coaches told us to put up a tight fight. I’m thankful to my teammates and coaches for trusting me,” the 6-foot-4 Strait said.

Jordan Sta. Ana also shone for the Shoemasters with 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and four steals, and so did JR Alabanza, with 12 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.

Price, acquired from Batangas during the trading period, finished with 36 points, laced with seven triples, six assists and four rebounds for Bacolod, which tumbled to 3-17.

Masskara drew 13 points, 15 rebounds and five assists from Rafael Go; 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists from Ram Mesqueriola; 10 points, six rebounds and two assists from Emman Galman; and 10 points plus six assists from Jeremy Monton./ASC, WDJ