Marc Pingris and JR Quiñahan, two old rivals in the big league, brought its long-time rivalry in the MPBL and on Thursday night, the two grizzled veterans brought their respective A-games to provide fans a total treat.
In the end, Pingris’ solid supporting cast came out to provide the extra firepower needed and complemented the all-time PBA great’s energy and effort and helped Biñan to an 81-78 triumph over Cebu in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The match brought back memories of their classic championship encounters when Pingris, then playing for the old Purefoods franchise, and Quiñahan, the other half of the fabled Extra Rice duo, became the instant marquee match up.
Quiñahan’s return was a smashing hit as he pumped in 31 points, buit his near one-man effort fell short.
Pingris finished with only six points and six rebounds, but remained as the catalyst of the squad when it comes to providing the intangibles.
His temamates provided the much-needed help led by Carlo Lastimosa and Kenny Rocacurva, who both tallied 16 points, and guard Renzo Subido added 10.
“We were struggling the past three games, pero good test ito against Cebu. We just gave our best on defense,” added Pingris. ”
Earlier, two-time defending champion Pampanga brought down Sarangani, 95-85, while Marikina repulsed Parañaque.
Nermal wound up with 14 points and 3 rebounds while Mina chalked up 12 points, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 2 assists to complement Larry Muyang’s 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; John Lloyd Clemente’s 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists; and Archie Concepcion’s 12 points and 3 rebounds.
The Sarangani Grippers slid to 6-12 with returnee Jeff Viernes notching 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists; Ken Brillantes adding 15 points, Kyt Jimenez contributing 11 points, 8 assists, 8 steals and 6 rebounds, and Migs Pascual chipping in 11 points.
