MANILA, Philippines — The GenSan Warriors turned hot in the fourth quarter to beat the Quezon Huskers, 84-67, on Saturday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the jampacked Polomolok Gymnasium.
Powered by Anton Eusebio and Marwin Dionisio, GenSan poured in 22 points while holding Quezon to just five to decide the outcome, 79-60, with 2 minutes and 16 seconds left.
GenSan climbed to 16-5, while Quezon dropped to 16-4 in the South division race for the top four spots, which carries with it the home-court advantage in the quarterfinal playoffs.
The 6-foot-5 Eusebio posted 18 points, spiked with three triples, 6 rebounds and 2 steals to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Dionisio, who finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, and Larry Rodriguez, with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
Quezon drew 14 points and 4 rebounds from Christian Pagaran and 11 points and 2 rebounds from homegrown Rodel Gravera.
MPBL Founder and Chairman Manny Pacquiao arrived from GenSan to the delight of the over 8,000 fans who filled the venue to the rafters.
GenSan bunched 15 points, 10 by Joshua Fontanilla, to seize control, 50-42, with 6 minutes and 38 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Judel Fuentes canned two charities to give Quezon a 40-35 lead at halftime.
Binan wins by forfeiture
Binan won by forfeiture over Caloocan, 20-0, in the second game to climb to 20-4 and second spot in the South division. Caloocan dropped to 18-4 and third place in the North division.
The Cebu Greats, on very short notice, stepped in and flew in via Davao Saturday morning to play an exhibition game against Binan.
Commissioner Emmer Oreta thanked Polomolok Mayor Bernie Palencia for the warm reception given to the teams, which included airfare, accommodation and local transportation, and the MPBL staff.
Also cited by Oreta and Operations Head Zaldy Realubit were Cebu Greats head Sam Lato and manager Jun Santos and the Binan Tatak Gel team for agreeing to provide entertainment to the thousands of fans from Polomolok, other South Cotabato towns and General Santos City.
The MPBL games were held as part of the F' Oreta said he will invite the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo management to explain their side regarding the non-appearance.
The MPBL returns to the Paco Arena on Monday, featuring games between Sarangani and Quezon City at 3 p.m., Imus and Rizal at 5 p.m., and Ilagan Isabela and Valenzuela at 7 p.m. TMT
