NUEVA ECIJA blew a big lead, but ultimately squeaked past Zamboanga Master Sardines, 83-80, on Saturday in its homecourt in Palayan City for a share of the top spot in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round.
Ahead, 79-66, with under three minutes left, the Rice Vanguards got rattled as the Zamboanguenos threatened at 80-82 with 11.1 seconds to go.
Nueva Ecija forward Robby Celiz then split his free throws for the final tally, as Zamboanga's Ady Santos missed two charities and Renzo Subido's potential game-tying triple rimmed out at the buzzer.
The Rice Vanguards stretched their unbeaten run to 10 and caught up with the Quezon Huskers at the helm of the 29-team tournament. The San Juan Knights are right behind them with a 9-0 card.
READ: 29-point rout sends Quezon Huskers to 10-0
Will McAloney paced Nueva Ecija, the 2022 MPBL champion, with 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, followed by Emman Calo with 15 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
Celiz ended with 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, while Chris Bitoon tallied 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists for coach Don Dulay.
Zamboanga, which fell to 9-3, drew 24 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists from MPBL Fourth Season MVP Jaycee Marcelino, as well as 12 points from homegrown Joey Barcuma and 11 points from Subido.
Earlier, Bataan got back on track with a 93-61 drubbing of Imus, as Muntinlupa bested Bacolod, 80-74.
The MPBL returns to the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Monday with games pitting Bulacan against Marikina at 4 p.m., Pasay against Valenzuela at 6 p.m., and San Juan against Rizal at 8 p.m.
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