QUEZON Province targets a more convincing win over Binan Tatak Gel in Game Two of the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season South Division Finals at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lucena Convention Center.
The Quezon Huskers squeaked past the Lagunenses, 57-55, in Game One of the best-of-five series on Monday, revving up their title retention drive despite a bumpy finish.
Ahead, 54-46, heading to the last four minutes, Quezon nearly buckled under the strain of Binan’s final assault, avoiding overtime when Binan veteran Marc Pingris overshot an open attempt inside with 1.1 seconds left.
A triple by Gab Banal against nine points by Binan in the homestretch averted total collapse by the Huskers, seeking a second straight National Finals appearance after being swept by the Pampanga Giant Lanterns last year.
To repeat over Binan, Quezon will again lean on Judel Fuentes, Ljay Gonzales, Ximone Sandagon, Will Gozum, Vince Magbuhos, Jaymar Gimpayan, Emman Tagle and Banal.
The Huskers could have had a smoother victory ride if not for their poor free throw shooting, sinking only half of their 18 attempts.
Magbuhos snagged 12 rebounds as Quezon prevailed underneath, 45-43, while Tagle drilled in three straight triples in the second quarter to push the Huskers ahead, 30-24.
To level the series, underdog Binan will depend on Kenny Roger Rocacurva, Carlo Lastimosa, Warren Bonifacio, Jaymar Gimpayan, Enzo Subido, Pingris, and Pamboy Raymundo, who served a one-game suspension in Game One.
