Pacesetter Nueva Ecija cruised past Cebu, 108-78, for its 16th straight victory in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season late Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Powered by veteran John Wilson, new acquisition Nick Demusis, and Jammer Jamito, the Rice Vanguards turned hot in the second half, leading as far as 91-56 to remain unbeaten in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
Meanwhile, San Juan trounced Pasig, 77-64, in the nightcap to catch up with Abra at 14-1 in the chase for playoff berths.
Wilson posted 17 points, including three three-pointers, three rebounds, and two assists; Demusis, formerly of the Bacoor Strikers, tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals to clinch the Best Player honors.
Jamito came through with 10 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and two assists to complement Toto Villarias’ 15 points, three steals, and two rebounds, and Jayvee Marcelino’s 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Cebu, fielding only seven players, fell to 4-12 despite Jan Jamon’s 15 points and eight rebounds, Paulo Hubalde’s 15 points, five assists and four rebounds, Dolan Adlawan’s 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks, Ken Holmqvist’s 12 points and eight rebounds, and Mark Meneses’ 10 points plus 12 rebounds.
Dexter Maiquez shone for the Knights with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Michael Calisaan with 14 points and five rebounds, and homegrown John Galinato with 13 points, three assists and two rebounds.
Newly-activated Aldrech Ramos notched four points, four rebounds, and two assists for the Knights, who hardly missed chief gunner Orlan Wamar.
Pasig skidded to 7-7 as Warlo James Batac’s 21 points, six rebounds, and two assists, and Chito Jaime’s 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists went for naught.