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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Nueva Ecija thwarts San Juan; Pangasinan, Zamboanga prevail in MPBL

Nueva Ecija thwarts San Juan; Pangasinan, Zamboanga prevail in MPBL

Published May 18, 2025 10:52 am

At A Glance

  • The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards rode on two scoring spurts in the fourth quarter to subdue the San Juan Knights, 97-86, and keep the top spot in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija coliseum in Palayan City on Saturday, May 17.
Robby Celiz delivers for the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards.
Robby Celiz delivers for the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards.

The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards rode on two scoring spurts in the fourth quarter to subdue the San Juan Knights, 97-86, and keep the top spot in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija coliseum in Palayan City on Saturday, May 17.

It was the 11th straight win for the Rice Vanguards to remain the only unbeaten squad in the tournament.

The Knights, for their part, suffered their first defeat in 10 starts and dropped to joint second.

Rob Celiz bannered the Rice Vanguards with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Will McAloney chipped in 20 points, eight boards and three assists.

John Wilson provided ample support with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, even as 2022 MVP Jaycee Marcelino contributed 11 points, eight assists, five rebounds and five steals.

Tied at 73-all, Nueva Ecija sparked an 11-2 assault led by Jammer Jamito to pull away at 84-75.

San Juan attempted a fightback behind the efforts of Arvin Gamboa, but Celiz, Marcelino and McAloney combined for a 9-2 to pad the lead to 97-84 and never looked back.

Orlan Wamar scored 18 points spiked by four triples, on top of nine assists and four rebounds in a losing effort for San Juan.

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan Heatwaves banked on Vic Manuel, Hesed Gabo and Pedrito Galanza to thwart the Pasay Voyagers, 91-78, and break a three-game skid. Manuel and Gabo scored seven points each while Galanza added six points as they outscored the Voyagers, 20-15, in the fourth quarter and climbed to a 6-4 record. Lervin Flores posted 11 points and 10 rebounds to clinch best player honors over Manuel, who chalked up 14 points, five rebounds and two steals. Pasay, which fell to 7-5, got 15 points from Laurenz Vctoria, 12 points from Jasper Salenga, and 11 points from Cyrus Tabi.

Earlier, Zamboanga Sikat stretched its hot streak with a hard-earned 82-77 victory over Quezon City Galeries Taipan. The Taipans threatened at 77-80 following two free throws and a jumper by Dave Bernabe, but James Sena countered with two charities to seal Zamboanga's fifth straight win and 10-2 record. Quezon City skidded to 3-8.

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