Nueva Ecija reaches MPBL national finals

MANILA, Philippines — Nueva Ecija flaunted its deep bench once again to beat San Juan, 84-68, and clinch the North division crown of the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Season 4 presented by Xtreme at the packed Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

The Rice Vanguards, with Will McAloney at the helm, withstood the best the Knights could offer in the fourth quarter to win the Game 3 decider pulling away, ending the title playoffs at 2-1 and reaching the MPBL national finals for the first time.

Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines and Batangas City Embassy Chill were disputing the South division crown last night in Zamboanga City.

The winner advances to the best-of-five finale against the Rice Vanguards on Dec. 2 in Nueva Ecija.