THE Pangasinan Heatwaves spoiled the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards’ homecourt advantage in a gutsy finish, 86-85, during game 1 of the first round of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) North Division Quarterfinals on October 15 at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum.

 

Pangasinan scorched hot early on in the first segment, knocking down three triples led by Hesed Gabo’s two three-point conversions. Nueva Ecija got its offensive spark from Jayvee Marcelino, who racked up five points to answer, but Heatwaves’ Vic Manuel closed out the quarter with a floater to claim the lead, 19-15.

 

In the second period, Byron Villarias maneuvered the Rice Vanguard’s scoring department off his outside shooting to tally six points. Will McAloney provided support underneath the paint with four points. On the other hand, Ian Melencio kept his poise and nailed two consecutive jumpers alongside the two triples of Jay Collado to counter and preserve the advantage at halftime, 40-37.

 

Heading to the third, Pangasinan gained momentum courtesy of JP Maguliano’ key drives to fuel a six-point cluster. Quick to counter was Robbie Celiz who gathered six points plus the paint productions of McAloney with fivemarkers, but Heatwaves’  Melencio found his spot and nailed a tough jumper to end the quarter with a double-digit lead, 80-68.

 

Bottom of the fourth with Nueva trailing at 74-82 with three minutes left, the Rice Vanguards spearheaded a 7-point assault to threaten, 81-82. However, Heatwaves’ Manuel responded with an up-and-under layup to extend the lead, 84-81.

 

Pangasinan leaned on Manuel with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists; Gabo with 12 points and 5 assists; and Melencio with 11 points.

 

Pangasinan will see action in Game 2 of the first round MPBL Playoffs on October 22 in FilOil EcoOil Centre. (Kim Gealogo)