For the 12th straight game, it was like harvest time for the Rice Vanguards of Nueva Ecija and on Saturday night, they had an easier time picking up a win against lowly Marikina, 88-52, in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Quezon Convention Center.
The Rice Vanguards made a more conscious effort of shutting down their opponents as they held the Shoemasters to a paltry 29.3% shooting from the field.
Offensively, Nueva Ecija showed its bench depth as the second unit completely outplayed their counterparts, 53-12.
The Rice Vanguards were also more aggressive scoring inside, producing 48 points compared to only 22 for the Shoemasters.
Rob Celiz and Will McAloney combined for 21 points as the frontcourt tandem of the Rice Vanguards found the defense of the Shoemasters too easy to crack.
Reigning Southern Division champion Quezon blasted Ilagan Isabela, 96-78, while Muntinlupa outlasted Quezon City, 75-68, to complete the winners in this three-game bill played before a packed crowd here.
