Quezon Province led from start to finish, defeating Negros, 73-60, on Monday in Game 1 of their South Division quarterfinals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Powered by Judel Fuentes and LJ Gonzales, the Quezon Huskers took control early, building a 20-11 lead after the first quarter, and never looked back.
The win put them just one victory away from advancing to the semifinals of the two-division, 29-team tournament.
Gonzales delivered an all-around performance with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, earning Daily Fantasy best player honors.
Fuentes contributed 17 points, including three triples, along with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Gab Banal also played a key role for the Huskers, the South’s top seed, adding 10 points (with two triples), 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Huskers led by as many as 21 points (69-48), replicating their 73-62 win over the Muscovados, the No. 8 South qualifier, from the elimination round.
Negros was led by Renz Palma, who recorded a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Felipe Chavez contributed 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Despite the dominant performance, Quezon Coach Eric Gonzales acknowledged that his team still has areas to improve – both individually and collectively – as they look to sweep the best-of-three series.
