Robby Celiz scored on a follow-up with 2.3 seconds left to complete Nueva Ecija’s 84-83 escape against Zamboanga SiKat in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

Trailing, 78-83, the Rice Vanguards persevered behind Celiz’s two free throws and Will McAloney’s strong drive with 6.5 ticks left to force a thriller.

McAloney missed the accompanying free throw, but got the rebound for another drive that got blocked. Celiz, however, skied for the rebound and made the putback that extended pacesetter Nueva Ecija’s winning run to 15 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

The 6-foot-5 McAloney finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists to clinch the Best Player honors over his fellow Mythical Team member Celiz, who tallied 11 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Other Rice Vanguards who delivered for Coach Don Dulay were Jaycee Marcelino with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals, Jayvee Marcelino with 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and John Villarias with 12 points — all from triples.