Huskers reign on as South rulers

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon Huskers banked on their reserve power in the second half to beat Biñan Tatak Gel, 56-49, and retain the South Division crown in the 747.LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Trailing for most of the first half, the Huskers seized control after three quarters, 38-36, clustered nine points early in the fourth to break free, 47-39, and went on to take the best-of-five series, 3-2, to barge into the MPBL National Finals against the Abra Solid North Weavers, the North Division champions.

Ljay Gonzales, rested in the second quarter, took charge when it mattered, firing eight of his game-high 14 points in the last 10 minutes, to go with two assists and two rebounds to clinch best player honors.

Vince Magbuhos provided support with 13 points and nine rebounds, followed by Joshua Yerro with eight points and Christian Pagaran with seven.

Their pooled effort compensated for the absence of top gun Judel Fuentes, who injured his left ankle in Game Four. Will Gozum and JP Sarao, on the other hand, were not in Quezon’s submitted lineup for the game.

Biñan, which scored only six points in the third quarter and 19 in the second half, drew 10 points from Pamboy Raymundo and nine from Carlo Lastimosa.