The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards trounced Biñan Tatak Gel, 81-64, to share the lead in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City late Tuesday.

Flashing the form that made it the 2022 national champion, Nueva Ecija dominated Biñan throughout en route to its 21st win against a loss, the same as San Juan and Abra Solid North, in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Powered by Rob Celiz, Jaycee Marcelino and John Wilson, Nueva Ecija bunched 14 points to pull away at 59-33 and pulled down Binan to 13-9 in the chase for eight playoff spots in the North and South Divisions.

Celiz wound up with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals to clinch the Player of the Game honors over Marcelino, who posted 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals; and Wilson with 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Biñan couldn't match Nueva Ecija's firepower as only Pamboy Raymundo struck back with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Jaymar Gimpayan was the next best performer with eight points, 15 rebounds and two assists.