Quezon Province trounced Biñan Tatak Gel, 81-67, on Wednesday to seize a 2-1 lead in the South Division Finals of the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at a packed Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Quezon Huskers moved within a victory of retaining their division crown and advancing to the National Finals for the third consecutive year.
Judel Fuentes led Quezon with 15 points, followed by Jolo Manasala, who tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Joshua Yerro, who contributed 13 points and four rebounds.
Cyrus Tabi, however, was named the SportsPlus Best Player after delivering six points, seven rebounds, two steals, and 18 assists to steady the Huskers throughout the game.
Poor free-throw shooting haunted Biñan, as the Lagunenses converted only 15 of their 37 attempts. In contrast, the Huskers sank 15 of 18 from the line.
Biñan drew 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals from Nic Cabanero, while Michael Mabulac added 10 points and six rebounds.
Mabulac also became the fourth member of the MPBL’s 2,000-point club, joining John Wilson, Yves Sazon, and Alwyn Alday.
Biñan won the opener of the best-of-five series, 83-74, but Quezon bounced back with a 74-54 victory in Game 2 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Quezon will gun for the South Division crown in Game 4 on Friday at the same venue.
The South Division champion will face the winner of the North Division Finals between Abra Solid North and San Juan in the best-of-seven National Finals.
The Abra Weavers hold a 2-0 lead and will attempt to sweep the San Juan Knights in Game 3 on Saturday at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal Province.
