Streaking Nueva Ecija trounced Muntinlupa, 86-74, to keep the solo lead in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2025 Season on Monday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

With Will McAloney at the helm, the Rice Vanguards led as far as 84-62 halfway through the fourth quarter and cruised to its 17th straight win in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

With that, the Rice Vanguards are already assured of a slot in the playoffs with the Abra Solid North Weavers (16-1) and the San Juan Knights (15-1).

McAloney posted 22 points and four rebounds to clinch the Best Player honors over 2022 MPBL Most Valuable Player Jaycee Marcelino, who notched 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Other Rice Vanguards who delivered were Rob Celiz with nine points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks, and Jayvee Marcelino with nine points, five assists and three rebounds.

Muntinlupa, which absorbed its fifth straight defeat, tumbled to 10-7 despite Kurt Lojera’s 16 points and six rebounds, John Cantimbuhan’s 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals, and Dom Matillano’s 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.

The Pasay Voyagers recovered from a sluggish start to beat Zamboanga SiKat, 75-63, in the nightcap.

Cyrus Tabi sparkled with 21 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals and towed Pasay to an 11-6 slate. Warren Bonifacio supported with 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists, and Brian Wendel Hilario with 11 points.

Zamboanga, which sped to a 13-0 spread, fell to 14-4 as only Abdul Sawal, with 15 points and five rebounds, and Reggz Gabat, with 11 points and four rebounds, struck back.