The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguarads hit their target late in the fourth quarter and shot down the Pasig Voyagers early in the fourth to tally an 85-81 victory on Monday and move within a win of advancing to the semifinal round of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Pasay City.
Misfiring from the beginning, the defending champion Rice Vanguards trailed by as far as 44-59, posing some concern for Nueva Ecija Coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Michael Mabulac and Chris Bitoon roused the Rice Vanguards from the stupor, dropping 17 points against a lone triple by the Voyagers to push Nueva Ecija within 61-62 at the third-quarter buzzer.
Bitoon then took over in the final canto, and with help from John Bryon Villarias and Renz Palma seized control at 79-66 heading to the last 5 minutes and 44 seconds mark.
With the count at 85-75 and only 52 seconds left, made a platoon substitution to let his second stringers finish the job.
The pesky Voyagers, however, refused to yield as Brian Hilario made back-to-back baskets, forcing Cabiltes to send back his starters with 28 seconds remaining.
Still, Pasay’s Warren Sienes was able to sneak in a bucket but missed the accompanying free throw for the final count.
Bitoon wound up with 18 points, 10 in the fourth quarter, and 4 assists to earn best player honors over Mabulac, who posted 16 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Palma contributed 14 points and 10 5 rebounds while Villarias chipped in 10 points.
Nueva Ecija, like first-game winner San Juan, could cut short their best-of-three North division quarterfinal series in Game 2 on October 16 at the Makati Coliseum.
To do that, Cabiltes said the Rice Vanguards need to play much harder, be more aggressive on defense, and execute their plays better.
The San Juan Knights clamped down on defense and executed their transition plays to trounce the Makati OKBet Kings, 95-84.
While Orlan Wamar paced San Juan’s offense again, the Knights focused on Makati main man Robby Celiz on the defensive end.
Coach Randy Alcantara’s strategy worked as the Knights pulled away, 55-36, to stay.
Showing why he’s the MPBL 3-point king, Wamar fired 23 points, including 5 of 9 triple tries, issued 5 assists and snagged 4 rebounds to earn another best player honor.
Other Knights who delivered were Nikko Panganiban with 17 points plus 5 rebounds and Adrian Nocum, Egie Boy Mojica and AC Soberano with 12 points each. Nocum also had 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal.
Celiz, who usually tallies double-doubles, was held to 7 points and 4 rebounds, sapping the Kings’ firepower.
Keith Agovida tried to fill the void with 19 points and 8 rebounds, and so did Gabriel Dagangon with 16 points, Billy Robles with 11 and Emman Calo with 10.
Alcantara said he expects the Kings to put up a tougher stand in Game 2 on Oct. 16, but thinks they have a good chance of cutting short the series if their defense holds.
According to Wamar, he expects the Kings to be more physical and is bracing for it.
The MPBL visits the Batangas City Coliseum on Tuesday for the start of the quarterfinal series’ between GenSan and Muntinlupa at 6 p.m. and Imus against Batangas at 8 p.m.