Rice Vanguards enter MPBL conference semis

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Nueva Ecija thwarted Pasay in Game 2, 71-62, to complete a series sweep and roar on to the semifinals of the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) North Division playoffs on Monday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Rice Vanguards took command from the get-go by leading as many as 18 points before needing to flaunt their championship pedigree down the wire in fending off the Voyagers’ multiple comeback attempts.

It was Nueva Ecija, seeded second after the elimination round, which clawed back from a 15-point deficit in Game 1, 85-81.

And like in the series opener, Chris Bitoon starred anew by firing 16 points in only 16 minutes of play to guide the Rice Vanguards to a big road win with team owner Bong Cuevas in attendance along with a bevy of visiting Novo Ecijanos.

Michael Juico added nine points while Roi Sumang and Byron Villarias threw in eight points apiece to provide support for Bitoon, who banged in 18 points in their Game 1 win at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.