Heatwaves send Knights packing

Pangasinan blew a big lead but kept its composure to thwart San Juan, 83-80, and advance to the North Division Finals in the 747. LIVE presents Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday.

Ahead by as many as 19 points twice early in the second quarter, the Heatwaves fell behind, 64-69, as the Knights greeted the fourth quarter with a 7-2 run.

The Heatwaves, however, turned hot again behind Vic Manuel, Michael Mabulac, Hesed Gabo and Alyn Bulanadi to regain control at 81-75 and end the best-of-three semifinal series at 2-1.

Pangasinan, which also upset second-ranked Nueva Ecija in the quarterfinal round, forge a best-of-five tussle with top seed Abra Solid North for the North Division title.

Drilling in three straight triples, the Heatwaves surged ahead, 36-17 and 39-20.

The Knights, led by Arvin Gamboa, fought back and narrowed the gap to 40-47 at the break.

San Juan seized control, 62-59, on a drive by Dexter Maiquez, but a long buzzer-beating triple by Ian Melencio knotted the count at 62 after three quarters.

A short jumper by Gamboa and a triple by Wamar put San Juan within 80-81, but Manuel scored on a semi-hook for the final count with 32.7 seconds left.

Pangasinan stunned San Juan, 67-57, in Game 1, but San Juan equalized with an 83-66 victory in Game 2.

Manuel finished with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals; followed by Bulanadi with 15 points, four rebounds and two steals, Mabulac with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Hesed Gabo with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Gamboa posted 16 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two steals, while AC Soberano contributed 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Niko Panganiban notched 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Orlan Wamar 11 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Raul Soyud 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.