Nueva Ecija, Abra and Cebu trounced their opponents in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1XBet-MPBL 2025 Season on Saturday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Rice Vanguards flaunted their depth against the Valenzuela City Magic, 100-84, in the opener, while the Solid North Weavers followed suit with a 73-53 drubbing of the General Santos Warriors.
The Classic subdued Manila Batang Quiapo, 79-51, in the nightcap to complete the lopsided results of the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
With its fifth straight win, Nueva Ecija moved ahead of Quezon Province and Rizal Xentromall with 4-0 records.
All 13 Rice Vanguards, led by Robby Celiz, fielded by Coach Don Dulay scored as the 2022 national champions pulled away at 82-60 and never wavered.
Celiz posted 17 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, Jaycee Marcelino 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals, Jammer Jamito 12 points and four rebounds, Ryan Paule Costelo 12 points, four assists and two rebounds, and Byron Villarias 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Valenzuela slipped to 2-3 despite the 23-point, seven-assist, four-rebound effort of Jan Fomento and the 16-point, 14-rebound, four-assist output of Louie Vigil.
Abra, powered by Dave Ildefonso, Raven Gonzales and Jack Cruz-Dumont, surged ahead, 48-15, and only eased up in the fourth quarter when the outcome was beyond doubt.