PANGASINAN banked on Michael Mabulac's buzzer-beating layup to nip Ilagan Isabela, 96-94, on Saturday and boost its drive in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The Pangasinan Heatwaves raised their record to 3-1, trailing only Nueva Ecija, Rizal Xentromall and Pampanga in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
Ilagan surged ahead, 90-82, following a 15-point cluster by Allen Mina, Joshua Guiab, Allan Santos and Gab Gomez, and still led, 92-87 late,
The Heatwaves, however, scored nine points and held the Cowboys to just two in the final 67 seconds to turn the game around.
Mabulac wound up with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals to clinch best player honors. He was supported by Hessed Gabo’s 15 points, six assists, and two steals, Vic Manuel’s 13 points, and Joshua Fontanilla and Bong Galanza who added 11 apiece.
The Cowboys, who tumbled to 2-2, got 19 points and six rebounds from Mina, and a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds from Arth Dela Cruz.
Imus Braderhood tripped Zamboanga SIKAT, 81-79, in the opener to level its slate at 2-2.
Down by four, Imus closed out with six points, spiked by Jaypee Belencion's triple, to snatch the win and pull down Zamboanga to 2-1.
Belencion led Imus with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Kint Ariar scored 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter while Jayvee dela Cruz added 12.
Abdul Sawat paced Zamboanga with 18 points.
The MPBL resumes on Monday, March 24, at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City with games pitting Bulacan against Abra at 4 p.m., debuting San Juan against Cebu at 6 p.m., and Quezon Province against Binan at 8 p.m.
The Quezon Huskers are seeking their third straight win and a share of the lead, while the San Juan Knights, the 2021 MPBL champions, are making their first appearance this season.
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