Eight teams came out to challenge Nueva Ecija, yet the Rice Vanguards were able to hold their ground and displayed their no nonsense winning character.
With five players finishing in double figures, the Rice Vanguards proved that they could win more by relying on everyone and not on anyone and their latest 101-94 triumph over the Pangasinan Heatwaves was an indication that they are more than determined to win the crown.
Rob Celiz finished with a double-double performance of 19 points and 11 rebounds, while team captain Jaycee Marcelino provided his usual energy in coming away with 16 points, six assists and five steals and Christian Manaylay added 15 markers.
Jammer Jamito added 13 points and Will McAloney contributed 10 for the Rice Vanguards, who won against their former coach, Jerson Cabiltes and his Heatwaves.
Both teams looked evenly matched, but the hustle charts proved to be one aspect the Rice Vanguards were ab le to pounce into. They had 15 second-chance points, eight more than their rivals. Overall, Nueva Ecija outrebounded Pangasinan, 43-34.
Abra also pulled off a hard-earned 76-72 victory over Cebu while Davao Occidental nipped Pasig in overtime, 79-78.
Dave Ildefonso had another double-double game for the Weavers, finishing with 11 points and 14 boards as Abra improved to 7-1.
