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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Nueva Ecija, Pampanga down rivals; Basilan keeps playoff bid

Nueva Ecija, Pampanga down rivals; Basilan keeps playoff bid

Published Aug 20, 2025 01:03 pm

At A Glance

  • The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards led throughout and routed the Imus Braderhood, 76-62, while the Pampanga Giant Lanterns clawed their way back from a deep hole to thwart the Bataan Risers, 97-90, in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
Larry Muyang shines for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns. (MPBL Images)
Larry Muyang shines for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns. (MPBL Images)
Nueva Ecija and Pampanga took different routes toward victories in Manny Pacquiao presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan.
The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards led throughout and routed the Imus Braderhood, 76-62, while the Pampanga Giant Lanterns clawed their way back from a deep hole to thwart the Bataan Risers, 97-90, in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
Powered by Will McAloney and John Wilson, Nueva Ecija bucked the absence of three key players to notch their 22nd win against one loss and catch Abra Solid North at the top of the standings.
Pampanga, the reigning back-to-back titlist, met stiff resistance from Bataan and trailed as far as 32-17 before seizing control at halftime, 44-42, and fending off the Risers' rallies in the fourth quarter.
The Giant Lanterns improved to 17-7 and shared fourth spot with the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the playoff race of the North Division, where they trailed the Abra Weavers, the Rice Vanguards and the San Juan Knights (21-2).
Larry Muyang shone for Pampanga with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocks, followed by Archie Concepcion with 12 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists, and Jhan Nermal with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Bataan dropped to 9-15 despite Mitchelle Maynes' 26 points, all in the second half, plus 9 rebounds, Lorenz Capulong's 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists, and Rhinwill Yambing's 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.
McAloney posted 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks for Nueva Ecija, which hardly missed the services of MPBL All-Star Rob Celiz, former MVP Jaycee Marcelino, and his twin Jayvee Marcelino.
Wilson provided support with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, and Christian Manaytay with 8 points plus 5 rebounds.
Imus tumbled to 9-14 as only Mark Doligon struck back with 22 points plus 5 rebounds.
Basilan Starhorse got a vintage performance from Alex Cabagnot and bested Sarangani, 86-79, in the opener.
The 42-year-old former national team player posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals to power the Portmasters to 12-10 and boost their playoff drive.
The Portmasters, who sped away, 80-62, midway through the fourth quarter, tightened their hold of the eighth spot in the South Division being led by the Quezon Huskers (18-4) and Zamboanga SiKat (16-7).
Cabagnot was supported by Adi Santos with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Emman Calo with 9 points, Arwind Santos with 8 points, and Enzo Joson with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
Sarangani dipped to 9-14 despite Larce Sunga's 19 points, Danny Marilao's 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Jeff Viernes' 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, and Kyt Jimenez's 10 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
The MPBL resumes on Thursday at the Batangas City Coliseum with games pitting Ilagan against Muntinlupa at 4 p.m., Zamboanga against Gensan at 6 p.m., and Manila against Bataan at 8 p.m.
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