Quezon surged in the second half to dominate Negros, 94-66, on Monday, securing a spot in the South Division semifinals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.
As the top seed in the South, the Huskers built an overwhelming 90-55 lead late in the fourth quarter, replicating their commanding 73-60 victory in Game One to sweep the best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Quezon now awaits the winner of the quarterfinal series between Parañaque and Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines.
After a tight 27-27 score midway through the second quarter, Quezon broke away with a 44-31 lead at halftime. The Huskers continued their assault in the second half, spearheaded by RJ Minerva and Robin Rono, as Negros struggled offensively.
Minerva, a 6-foot-5 forward from NU, recorded 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in just over 20 minutes of action. Rono contributed 15 points and 6 rebounds in only 15 minutes, earning him the Best Player of the Game honors.
Al Francis Tamsi added 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Mon Abundo chipped in with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists for Coach Eric Gonzales’ squad.
For Negros, the No. 8 seed in the South, Felipe Chavez led with 20 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds, while John Rey Villanueva scored 11 points.
Quezon’s dominance on the boards was evident as they out-rebounded Negros 48-32, which translated to a 36-18 advantage in points in the paint.
The MPBL action continues on Wednesday with the North Division quarterfinals, featuring Pampanga versus Abra at 6 p.m., followed by Pasay against Nueva Ecija at 8 p.m. at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.
