Quezon Province recovered its bearing in time to beat Biñan, 66-56, to take a 2-1 lead in the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2025 Season South Division Finals on Monday at the packed Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Huskers guns went silent early in the fourth quarter, allowing Tatak Gel to threaten at 54-56. Judel Fuentes, however, found his touch and bunched seven points, his total output, to decide the outcome, 65-55, with a little over two minutes to go.
The Huskers won Game 1, 57-55, but Tatak Gel struck back in Game 2, 68-65.
Ljay Gonzales, atoned for his low production in the first two games, posting a game-high 26 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Gab Banal supported with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Gonzales shone in the third quarter, splitting two free throws to give Quezon its biggest lead, 56-43, with 1:35 seconds to go.
The Huskers led by as many as 12 points, 15-3, in the first quarter, but Biñan rallied behind Carlo Lastimosa and Kenny Roger Rocacurva to level the count at 38 at the break.
Rocacurva finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Pamboy Raymundo tallied 11 points and four assists.
Banal’s back-to-back triples pushed the Huskers ahead, 31-20, with 7:10 left.
Game 4 will be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. If necessary, Game 5 will return to the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City with the winner facing North Division champion Abra in the best-of-five finals series.