Nueva Ecija, San Juan go for clincher

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Nueva Ecija tries to finish off Pasay in Game 2 of their best-of-three quarterfinals face-off in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Revved up by a thrilling 85-81 comeback win in Game 1 at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum, the Rice Vanguards troop into the battlefield at 6 p.m. with the momentum on their side as they eye a quick passage to the North Division semifinals.

Sixth-seeded San Juan also goes for the jugular versus No. 3 Makati at 8 p.m. after a stunning 94-85 win in the opener.

No. 2 seed Nueva Ecija will not have its Sixth Man behind them this time around but the Bong Cuevas-owned squad is determined to still get the job done against a gritty opposition.

“We need to adjust on defense and pressure them hard para di nila makuha ‘yung mismatches nila,” said Nueva Ecija coach Jerson Cabiltes.

“We need to finish this series in Game 2. It’s gonna be tough and physical but we’re gonna be ready for it.”

Chris Bitoon and Michael Mabulac have been tasked anew to spearhead the Rice Vanguards’ mission after anchoring their win in Game 1 with support from Byron Villarias and Renz Palma.

In front of the passionate Novo Ecijanos, the Rice Vanguards uncorked a scorching 30-5 run in the second half to earn the crucial win.

Standing in Nueva Ecija’s way is the ever-tough Pasay, seeded seventh after the prelims, with Dhon Reverente leading their bid.