Nueva Ecija greeted the fourth quarter with a 15-point binge, while Quezon Province closed it with a similar cluster as both teams rallied to prevail in the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Fifth Season on Tuesday at the full-house Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.
Trailing, 43-54, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards struck back through Roi Sumang, Michael Juico and Michael Mabulac to seize control and never let go en route to a 69-65 victory over Pasig City MCW Sports in the nightcap.
The Quezon Huskers were also behind, 74-75, before Robin Roño triggered a 15-point avalanche that buried the Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc. squad, 89-77, earlier.
Playing listlessly, Quezon trailed Valenzuela after three quarters, 56-62, caught up midway through the fourth (70-70), Roño poured 10 of his team-high 16 points in the last 3:10 that propelled the Huskers to their 16th win against six losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
With Michael Angelo Macion bunching five points, Valenzuela last led at 75-74 before going silent and suffering its 20th loss in 23 games.
Jason Opiso supported Roño with 14 points and 11 rebounds, JK Casino with 11 points and Raffy Verano and RJ Minerva with 10 points each.
Valenzuela got 18 points from Macion and 17 from Darell Manliguez.
Hounded by poor shooting, the Rice Vanguards played catchup for over 30 minutes before going high gear while slamming the brakes on the Pasigueños.
