MANILA—Behind a solid endgame performance from Eloie Tan, Marikina gave coach Elvis Tolentino a win in his first game back from suspension after they held off Manila, 79-77, in their MPBL battle on Monday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
With Stars threatening to pull off a comeback from a late eight-point deficit, Tan helped the Shoemasters preserve the victory by scoring their last five points, a three-point play off a Kyle Neypes foul and a layup that answered Tata Bautista's triple.
Allan Mangahas kept Manila in the game after scoring a jumper even as Gerald Anderson failed to seal Marikina's win after missing his own three-pointer.
However, Bautista misfired in his next three-point attempt, and Marwin Dionisio grabbed the rebound to put the result beyond doubt.
Dionisio finished with 24 points, four rebound, two assists, two steals, and one block, while Anderson added 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals for the Shoemasters, who moved up to 9-10 with their second straight win.
Mangahas, brother James, and Jason Mancao each scored 12 points off the bench for the Stars, who dropped to 3-16.
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