Pilipinas Super League: Nueva Ecija routs RCP Shawarma Shack on Gabo’s return

MANILA, Philippines – Ace floor general Hesed Gabo returned as league-leader Nueva Ecija stayed unbeaten with an easy 100-73 win over RCP Shawarma Shack Demigods in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) President’s Cup on Monday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Gabo, fresh from his NLEX stint in the PBA, saw limited action in his first game back with Nueva Ecija but still provided solid impact as the Capitals picked up from where they left off for an 8-0 slate to open the New Year.

Michael Juico (15), Ralph Robin (12), Axel Doromal (11) and Chris Bitoon (10) led the way with Gabo posting four points, four assists and a steal in only 12 minutes of play for the ball club owned by Bong Cuevas.

“I’m just happy and grateful sa opportunity na binigay sa akin ng Nueva Ecija. Masaya. Excited ako na makabalik at home. Lagi naman ang goal is to win a championship,” said Gabo, who served as a vital cog in Nueva Ecija’s MPBL championship in 2022 before jumping to the PBA.

“Hesed is a very good addition. He’s my player in our previous championships. Nandyan siya. Mas makakaganda sa team ‘yung pagbabalik ni Hesed,” added head coach Jerson Cabiltes.

Like their previous convincing wins, Nueva Ecija, also known as the Rice Vanguards in the MPBL, raced to a 28-18 lead and never looked back as it led by as many as 30 points en route to the win.

But the Capitals, out for redemption after losing their throne in the MPBL, are still far from being satisfied ahead of their next assignment against the Bicol Spicy Oragons (1-4) next Monday at the same venue.

“We’ll take it one game at a time. Marami pa kaming kailangan i-improve and to work on,” added Cabiltes.

Joshua Emmanuel Montero (21) and Teytey Teodoro (10) paced RCP Shawarma Shack, who slid to 1-8.