At the rate of how things are going, the Rice Vanguards of Nueva Ecija have no plans of slowing down.
Instead, they extended their winning run to 18 to remain spotless in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Robert B. Estrella Memorial Stadium in Rosales, Pangasinan.
The Rice Vanguards whipped the stubborn Bacolod Turbo Slashers, 116-87.
Starting slow was Nueva Ecija, which needed to switch its offensive prowess in the third period, outscoring their rivals, 27-14, as Christian Manaytay and twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino put together 15 points to break free, 72-59, before dropping 12 points more through Ryan Paule Costelo, Billy Robles and John Wilson as the Rice Vanguards were never seriously threatened from there.
Costelo wound up with 16 points, complementing the 6-foot-5 Manaytay’s 13 points, including a contested one-handed dunk. The big guy, however, completed his solid, all-around game by pulling down 10 rebounds to complete a double-double performance, while Wilson chipped in 13 points and three steals.
Nueva Ecija’s balance production was also in full display as John Villarias added 11 points, and Jaycee Marcelino tallied 10 points, four assists and three steals.
The Rice Vanguards also converted 10 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc.
But staying within striking distance on Nueva Ecija was Abra, which demolished Valenzuela, 132-76.
The Weavers jumped the gun early and showed no let up on defense in putting away the Magic.
Abra improved its win-loss record to 17-1 as the team hit a steady 53% from the field (44-of-82) while holding Valenzuela to just 27.7% shooting (23-of-83).
The Weavers produced 26 points coming off the 14 turnovers of the Magic while also showing more activity scoring inside the paint, 59-28. Bench depth was also in full display for Abra where a total of 85 points were generated from players coming off the bench, 57n points more than Valenzuela.
Abra was also more aggressive attacking on fast breaks as it produced 48 points coming off transition plays, 26 more than its counterpart.
Pangasinan outplayed Basilan, 83-71, to complete the victors.
