Steve Nash Enriquez struck when needed, lifting the Pasay Voyagers past the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 76-69, on Thursday in the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational at the Paco Arena in Manila.
In a performance worthy of his namesake, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, Enriquez scored Pasay’s last 11 points in less than three minutes, enabling the Voyagers to erase a 65-67 deficit in their Group B debut in the 18-team event.
The 5-foot-9 Enriquez, a former National University star from Minglanilla, Cebu, drilled in three straight triples, missed two charities, but grabbed the loose ball for a turnaround jumper with 19 seconds left that sealed the Cowboys’ fate.
Enriquez earned best player honors with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal, while Christian Fajarito posted 18 points, highlighted by five triples in the first half, 6 rebounds and 1 steal.
Other Voyagers who delivered were Cyril Gonzales with 13 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, and Edmund Dela Cruz with 8 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cowboys drew 14 points and 4 rebounds from Allen Mina and 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks from Joseph Gabayni.
Meanwhile, Quezon Huskers leaned on Joshua Yerro to repulse the Marikina Shoemasters, 85-79, in the second game and grab the solo Group B lead with a 2-0 card.
Yerro, a native of Ormoc, Leyte, scored all of his nine points in the last 2 minutes, enabling the Huskers to recover from a 72-74 deficit.
The Muntinlupa Cagers, on the other hand, battered the Junior MPBL D-League Selection, 94-67. Agem Miranda sparked Muntinlupa’s wire-to-wire romp with 21 points and 2 assists. (AC)
