Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) MPBL

Basketball

MPBL: Nueva Ecija, Zambo-FBS take early lead in preseason meet


It was an intense day of basketball action as Nueva Ecija and Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines dominated their respective opponents, grabbing the early lead in the 2023 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Pre-Season Tournament at the Lagao Gym in Brgy. Lagao, General Santos City on Tuesday.

The Rice Vanguards brought out their lethal form in the second half to subdue the Imus SV Squad, 88-78.

The game was tight at halftime, with the defending national champions barely leading undermanned Imus.

However, a tongue-lashing from Coach Jerson Cabiltes during the break ignited a fire in the Rice Vanguards, and they came out stronger in the second half. They led by as many as 18 points before cruising to victory.

John Byron Villarias and Pamboy Raymundo led Nueva Ecija with 13 points each, followed by Michael Mabulac with 11.

The game also gave new Rice Vanguards recruits Harvey Pagsanjan, Joshua Fontanilla, and Rich Guinitaran a chance to prove their mettle, and they contributed 6, 3, and 2 points, respectively.

Zamboanga, the South Division champion, also put on an impressive show as they dominated guest team Bulalakaw, 102-75.

The Zamboanguenos came out hot from the start and never looked back. With the game under control, Zamboanga coach Vic Ycasiano fielded the full complement of his 14-man roster, all of whom managed to score.

New acquisition Judel Ric Fuentes lived up to expectations with a team-high 14 points, followed by Jhapz Bautista with 13, 2022 MPBL MVP Jaycee Marcelino with 12, Jayvee Marcelino with 10, and Ralph Tansingco with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

#ReadMore  MPBL: Nueva Ecija opens title defense with 27-point romp of Laguna

The tournament, which serves as a prelude to the MPBL Fifth Season starting on March 11, is an eight-team, weeklong event dangling P3 million to the champion.

Host General Santos City started the day’s games with an 82-73 win over Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc.

The action continues on Wednesday with another triple-bill at the same venue, with Batangas City, the 2018 MPBL Rajah Cup champion, and Sarangani kicking off the games at 5 p.m. The other matches will see Imus taking on Valenzuela at 7 p.m., and GenSan facing Nueva Ecija at 9 p.m.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

By: Bjorn Del Deade Emilio Aguinaldo College made history on Tuesday, taking down defending champion San Beda University with a 68-55 victory. This monumental...

Basketball

By: Brenn Allen Flores After 28 attempts, Emilio Aguinaldo College has finally achieved what once seemed impossible: defeating San Beda University, the NCAA’s last...

Basketball

College of St. Benilde relied on Tony Ynot for offensive firepower and Allen Liwag for defensive dominance as it overcame Emilio Aguinaldo College with...

Basketball

Despite a challenging shooting night, reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis emerged victorious in his first match-up against former University of the East...

Basketball

Mapua University held on against a late-game rally from Emilio Aguinaldo College, emerging victorious in a close contest 69-66 win and bouncing back in...

AU

By: Brenn Flores Emilio Aguinaldo College halted a late collapse and defeated the Arellano University Chiefs, 87-80, in overtime to kickstart their NCAA Season...

ADMU

A week ago, National University found itself on the wrong end of an unexpected game-winning floater in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup....

AU

Kevin Quiambao showcased his prowess for De La Salle University as he orchestrated a remarkable comeback, propelling the Green Archers to a stunning 77-74...

Advertisement