The Pangasinan Heatwaves blew a big lead but kept their composure to thwart the San Juan Knights, 83-80, and advance to the North Division Finals in the 747. LIVE presents MPBL 2025 Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Ahead by as many as 19 points twice early in the second quarter, Pangasinan fell behind, 64-69, as the Knights greeted the fourth quarter with a 7-2 run.
The Heatwaves, however, turned hot again behind Vic Manuel, Michael Mabulac, Hesed Gabo and Alyn Bulanadi to regain control at 81-75 and end the best-of-three semifinal series at 2-1.
Pangasinan, which also upset second-ranked Nueva Ecija in the quarterfinal round, forge a best-of-five North title tussle with top seed Abra Solid North.
Drilling in three straight triples, the Heatwaves surged ahead, 36-17 and 39-20.
The Knights, led by Arvin Gamboa, fought back and narrowed the gap to 40-47 at the break.
San Juan seized control, 62-59, on a drive by Dexter Maiquez, but a long buzzer-beating triple by Ian Melencio knotted the count at 62 after three quarters.
A short jumper by Gamboa and a triple by Wamar put San Juan within 80-81, but Manuel scored on a semi-hook for the final count with 32.7 seconds left.
Pangasinan stunned San Juan, 67-57, in Game One, but San Juan equalized with an 83-66 victory in Game Two.
Manuel finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; followed by Bulanadi with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals, Mabulac with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Hesed Gabo with 10 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Gamboa posted 16 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, while AC Soberano contributed 15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Niko Panganiban notched 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, Orlan Wamar 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, and Raul Soyud 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
The South Division semifinal round continues on Friday with the second game between Binan and Batangas at 6:30 p.m. at the Batangas Province Events Center in Batangas City.
Binan won Game One, 72-67, on Nov. 6 and would forge a division finals clash against Quezon Province with another victory.
If Batangas prevails, there will be a do-or-die Game Three.
