Quezon tops South qualifier; Imus clinches last play-in slot in MPBL

Manila Times - Sep 22, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon Huskers subdued the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers, 90-74, to top the elimination phase of the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season South Division at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos. Quezon improved its record to  21-4, the same as Binan Tatak Gel, but emerged as the No. 1 qualifier to the quarterfinal playoffs because of its 66-59 victory in their April 21 encounter. Although the Huskers led throughout, the reigning back-to-back South champions experienced anxious moments as the Golden Coolers crept to within 55-58 after three quarters. Cholo Anonuevo, however, hit his stride in the fourth quarter with 8 points and Christian Pagaran added 6, pushing the Huskers out of danger and pulling down the Golden Coolers to 16-9. MPBL All-Star co-MVP Judel Fuentes led Quezon with 14 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals; followed by Jason Opiso, with 14 points and 6 rebounds; Anonuevo, with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists; and Pagaran, with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Rizal, which remained the No. 6 qualifier, drew 20 points and 8 rebounds from JP Maguliano; 12 points and 5 assists from Philip Manalang; and 10 points and 5 assists from Jolo Mendoza. Gensan trounces Bulacan The Gensan...

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