The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards shot down the Pasig Voyagers early in the fourth to tally an 85-81 victory on Monday and move within a win of advancing to the semifinal round of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Fifth Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Pasay City.
Misfiring from the beginning, the defending champion Rice Vanguards trailed by as far as 44-59, posing some concern for Nueva Ecija coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Michael Mabulac and Chris Bitoon roused the Rice Vanguards from the stupor, dropping 17 points against a lone triple by the Voyagers to push Nueva Ecija within 61-62 at the third-quarter buzzer.
Bitoon then took over in the final canto, and with help from John Bryon Villarias and Renz Palma seized control at 79-66 heading to the last five minutes and 44 seconds mark.
With the count at 85-75 and only 52 seconds left, made a platoon substitution to let his second stringers finish the job.
The pesky Voyagers, however, refused to yield as Brian Hilario made back-to-back baskets, forcing Cabiltes to send back his starters with 28 seconds remaining.
The San Juan Knights clamped down on defense and executed their transition plays to trounce the Makati OKBet Kings, 95-84.
While Orlan Wamar paced San Juan’s offense again, the Knights focused on Makati main man Robby Celiz on the defensive end.
