DEFENDING champion Nueva Ecija tries to finish off Pasay in Game 2 of the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) quarterfinals today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Riding on 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 all the momentum on their side in an attempt to earn a quick passage to the North Division semifinals.
Sixth-seeded San Juan also eyes to close out No. 3 Makati at 8 p.m. after a stunning 94-85 win in Game 1.
The No. 2 seed Nueva Ecija will not have its Sixth Man home crowd this time around but the Bong Cuevas-owned squad is determined to still get the job done with no intention of allowing a rubber match against the gritty opposition.
“We need to adjust on defense and pressure them hard,” said Mr. 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 from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter, with support from Byron Villarias and Renz Palma.
In front of the passionate Novo Ecijanos, the Rice Vanguards uncorked a scorching 30-5 rally in the second half to earn the gritty win that kickstarted their title retention bid in style.
Standing in Nueva Ecija’s way is the ever-tough Pasay, seeded seventh after the prelims, with Dhon Reverente leading the charge following a near upset win in Game 1 before a late meltdown.
Meanwhile, No. 1 seed Bacoor got back on No. 8 Iloilo, 92-52, as No. 5 Quezon beat No. 4 Zamboanga, 65-58, to equalize the series and force deciding games in the South Division quarterfinals. — JB Ulanday
