Nueva Ecija completed a sweep while Sarangani barged into the semifinals with a lopsided victory in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Preseason Tournament late Thursday at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City.
The Rice Vanguards displayed their championship form as they routed Valenzuela, 94-64, to clinch their third straight win in Group B of the eliminations of this eight-team tourney that stakes P3 million to the champion.
Meanwhile, the Marlins subdued guest team Bulalakaw of league founder and chief executive officer Manny Pacquiao, 106-86, in the nightcap to improve to 2-0 and punch the first semifinal ticket in Group A.
With the Rice Vanguards already assured of a semifinal seat, coach Jerson Cabiltes had the luxury of shuffling his 15 players, including new recruits Harvey Pagsanjan, Joshua Fontanilla and Rich Guinitaran who did their part in dealing Valenzuela its third straight loss.
Veteran Christopher Bitoon and John Paul Sarao bannered Nueva Ecija with 13 and 13 points, respectively, while Pagsanjan, a former University of the East Red Warriors, added 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Guinitaran, a prized find from Pagadian City, contributed eight points and four rebounds while Fontanilla chipped in six points, six assists and three rebounds.
Orin Catacutan shone for Sarangani with 23 points, 10 rebounds and four steals, followed by San Sebastian College standout Rafael Are with 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, and Benjie Jimenez with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Reggz Albert Gabat and Mark Poole contributed 11 points each for Coach John Kallos’ charges.
Bulalakaw drew a game-high 28 points from Pacquiao, including five three-pointers as well as six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
