Rice Vanguards roll to 5th win

MANILA, Philippines — Nueva Ecija outplayed Manila in the crunch, pulling off a 78-62 win to gain a share of the lead in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round on Saturday at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

Flashing the form that made them the 2022 MPBL champions, the Rice Vanguards dropped 21 points behind Mer Jesper Ayaay, Rob Celiz and Michael Juico in the final frame to tally their fifth straight victory in as many starts, tying them with the Quezon Huskers and the San Juan Knights.

Other games saw Davao Occidental continue its rise with a 91-55 drubbing of Bulacan, and Parañaque wield fiery form in a 100-67 thrashing of Sarangani.