Steve Nash Enriquez delivered when it mattered most, lifting the Pasay Voyagers past the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 76-69, on Thursday in the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational at Paco Arena in Manila.
In a performance worthy of his legendary namesake, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, Enriquez scored Pasay’s last 11 points in under three minutes, helping the Voyagers erase a 65-67 deficit in their Group B debut in the 18-team event.
The 5-foot-9 Enriquez, a former National University standout from Minglanilla, Cebu, sank three consecutive triples, missed two free throws, but grabbed the loose ball and hit a turnaround jumper with 19 seconds remaining to seal the Cowboys’ fate.
Enriquez earned best player honors with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, edging Christian Fajarito, who finished with 18 points—including five first-half triples—6 rebounds, and 1 steal.
Other key contributors for the Voyagers included Cyril Gonzales with 13 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals, and Edmund Dela Cruz with 8 points and 10 rebounds.
For the Cowboys, Allen Mina had 14 points and 4 rebounds, Joseph Gabayni added 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while chief gunner Arth Dela Cruz managed 4 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
In the second game, the Quezon Huskers relied on Joshua Yerro to fend off the Marikina Shoemasters, 85-79, securing the solo lead in Group B with a 2-0 record.
Yerro, a prized talent from Ormoc, Leyte, scored all nine of his points in the final two minutes to erase a 72-74 deficit.
The new-look Huskers, aiming for a third consecutive South Division crown, also leaned on acquisitions Chris Lalata, Cedric Manzano, and Cyrus Tabi.
Lalata contributed 15 points and 4 rebounds, Manzano 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Tabi 11 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
Mainstay Diego Dario chipped in 10 points, including back-to-back triples that tied the game at 70 with just over five minutes remaining.
Marikina, meanwhile, suffered their second straight defeat despite strong performances from Sidney Mosqueda with 20 points, including four triples, Lander Canon with 17 points and 7 rebounds, Deo Timajo with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Jethro Escoto with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Earlier, the Muntinlupa Cagers overwhelmed the Junior MPBL D-League Selection, 94-67, to even their record at 1-1.
Agem Miranda led Muntinlupa’s wire-to-wire romp with 21 points and 2 assists, followed by Josh Alcantara with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Shawn Argente with 15 points and 2 assists.
The D-Leaguers, all under 21, got 18 points and 4 rebounds from Jaymark Lloren, and 15 points with 3 rebounds from Axel Rosales.
The Preseason continues at Paco Arena on Saturday with Batangas facing Mindoro at 3 p.m., San Juan against Caloocan at 5 p.m., and Gensan clashing with Binan at 7 p.m.
