The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards rallied, then thwarted the Pangasinan Heatwaves, 82-72, on Wednesday to forge a sudden-death in their North Division quarterfinal series in the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Pangasinan stunned Nueva Ecija, 86-85, in the opener of the best-of-three affair at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City on October 15.
Trailing, 36-23, following three straight triples by Vic Manuel, Nueva Ecija clawed to within 44-45 at halftime and moved ahead, 65-64, after the third quarter.
The Rice Vanguards, behind Will McAloney and Rob Celiz, took control in the final quarter, pulling away at 78-67 before coasting to the victory that kept their bid to regain the crown they held in 2022.
McAloney posted 24 points and 9 rebounds to earn best player honors over Celiz, who tallied 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists, Billy Robles, who notched 13 points plus 4 rebounds, Ryan Costelo, who finished with 10 points and 3 assists, and John Wilson, who contributed 7 points and 11 rebounds.
The Heatwaves drew 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists from Hesed Gabo, 11 points and 7 rebounds from Manuel, and 8 points plus 2 rebounds from Alyn Bulanadi.
Nueva Ecija missed the services of Top Gun Jaycee Marcelino, but his twin brother Jayvee chipped in 6 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
The MPBL playoffs continue at the Ynares Center Montalban on Thursday, with games pitting Batangas against Zamboanga at 6 p.m., and Binan against Rizal at 8 p.m.
