Nueva Ecija and Zamboanga trounced their respective foes to share the early lead in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Pre-Season Tournament late Tuesday at the Lagao Gym in Gen. Santos City.

The Rice Vanguards displayed their lethal form in the second half to overcome Imus SV Squad, 88-78, while Zamboanga waxed hot from start to finish to dump guest team Bulalakaw, 102-75, of MPBL founder and chief executive officer Manny Pacquiao.

Earlier, host General Santos City beat Valenzuela, 82-73, in the opener of the eight-team, weeklong event that stakes P3 million to the champion.

Playing lackluster ball, defending national champion Nueva Ecija barely led undermanned Imus at halftime, 38-35.

A tongue-lashing from Coach Jerson Cabiltes during the break, however, roused the Rice Vanguards to play harder as they led by as many as 18 points, 74-56, before cruising to victory.

John Bryon Villarias and Pamboy Raymundo led Nueva Ecija with 13 points, followed by Michael Mabulac with 11 markers.

Cabiltes tested new recruits Harvey Pagsanjan, Joshua Fontanilla and Rich Guinitaran, who managed to contribute, six, three and two points in that order.

Zamboanga, the South Division champion, showed balanced firepower in whipping Bulalakaw.

With the game under control, Zamboanga coach Vic Ycasiano fielded the full complement of his 14-man roster, all of whom managed to score.

New acquisition Judel Ric Fuentes lived up to expectations with a team-high 14 points, followed by Jhapz Bautista with 13, last year's Most Valuable Player Jaycee Marcelino with 12, Jayvee Marcelino with 10 and Ralph Tansingco also with 10 plus seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.