Nueva Ecija claimed Pampanga as its 14th victim with an 84-72 victory on Friday in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2025 Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Leaning on Robby Celiz, John Wilson, Jaycee Marcelino and Jayvee Marcelino, the Rice Vanguards thwarted the Giant Lanterns protracted rallies in the fourth quarter to tighten its grip on top spot in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Trailing Nueva Ecija, the 2022 MPBL champion, are Abra Sold North, (12-1), San Juan (11-1), and Zamboanga SiKat, which bested Batangas, 87-82, in the second game to rise to 13-2 in the chase for playoff spots.

Pampanga, the reigning back-to-back titlist, moved to within 72-77 on two charities by Archie Concepcion, only for Celiz and Jammer Jamito to seal the outcome with two free throws each, time down to 19.7 seconds.

Celiz posted 19 points, 12 rebounds and four assists to earn the Best Player honors over Will McAloney with 12 points and three rebounds, and Mer Jesper Ayaay with 10 points.

Jaycee Marcelino contributed eight points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals, while Jamito finished with nine points and two rebounds for Nueva Ecija coach Don Dulay.

Concepcion notched 25 points, four rebounds and two assists, Muyang 17 points, 13 rebounds and three assists, and Clemente 11 points and 10 rebounds for Pampanga, which tumbled to 10-4.

Although the Giant Lanterns ruled the boards, 51-37, they were hampered by poor shooting, converting only 2-of-17 three-point attempts and 24-of-40 free throws.