Cebuana Lhuillier, far from being the powerhouse it once was, signed up Martinez, a former University of the East standout, Jammer Jamito and Jessie Bustos in lieu of Clark Bautista, Ramon Mabayo and Raymond Aguilar.
The Gems are currently out of the playoff picture in seventh-place tie with improving Air21-JRU at 3-4 behind sixth place Cafe France at 4-4.
But things won’t get any easier for Cebuana Lhuillier with Blackwater (5-2), keen on solidifying its hold of the second spot for an outright semifinals berth, next in line.