Nueva Ecija keeps Pasay at bay, nears MPBL semis

MANILA, Philippines – The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards 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 5:44.

With the count at 85-75 and only 52 seconds left, Nueva Ecjija 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, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and four assists to earn best player honors over Mabulac, who posted 16 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Palma contributed 14 points and 10 five 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