Hot Rice Vanguards rally, torch Knights

Streaking Nueva Ecija rode on two scoring spurts in the fourth quarter to subdue San Juan, 97-86, and keep the top spot in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

It was the 11th straight win for the Rice Vanguards, the only unscathed squad in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

San Juan suffered its first defeat in 10 starts and dropped to joint second with reigning back-to-back titlist Pampanga and Abra Solid North in the race for playoff spots.

The count was tied at 73 until Nueva Ecija cut loose with 11 points, sparked by Jammer Jamito, against two free throws by San Juan top gun Orlan Wamar, 84-75.

San Juan countered to within 82-88 behind Arvin Gamboa, but Nueva Ecija's Rob Celiz,

Jaycee Marcelino and Will McAloney combined in a 9-2 salvo to seal the outcome, 97-84, with 1:19 seconds left.

Celiz tallied 22 points, six rebounds and four assists to clinch the Best Player honors over McAloney, who posted 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

John Wilson supported them with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, along with Marcelino, the 2022 Most Valuable Player who pooled 11 points, eight assists, five rebounds and five steals.

San Juan drew 18 points, spiked by four triples, nine assists and four rebounds from Wamar, 14 points each from Gamboa and Dexter Maiquez, and 11 points from Michael Calisaan.

The Pangasinan Heatwaves banked on Vic Manuel, Hesed Gabo and Pedrito Galanza to thwart the Pasay Voyagers, 91-78, and break a three-game skid earlier.