Vanguards out to hold fort vs Voyagers

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Nueva Ecija begins its journey in the 2023 MPBL playoffs when it tangles with the visiting Pasay at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum today.

Action kicks off at 8 p.m. with the Rice Vanguards, seeded No. 2, looking to hold the fort against the seventh-ranked Voyagers, with the help of their ever-passionate home crowd.

At 6 p.m., No. 3 Makati takes on No. 6 San Juan in the other quarterfinal pairing of the North Division.

But all eyes are on the Rice Vanguards, who are looking to make the most out of their home advantage in front of Novo Ecijanos after securing the second spot in the North Division with an impressive 23-5 record.

“Malaking bagay talaga ‘yung homecourt advantage. In all our games playing at home, palaging ‘yun ang pinaghuhugutan ng mga players. Iba kasi ang crowd ng Nueva Ecija. It’s one of the most passionate crowds in the MPBL,” said team owner Bong Cuevas.