The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards displayed their championship poise in the endgame as they defeated the Pasay Voyagers, 85-81, in Game 1 of the 2023 MPBL Northern Division quarterfinals on late Monday night at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum.
Christopher Bitoon top-scored with 18 points, including two three-pointers, to go with four assists, three steals, and a rebound as the defending champion Rice Vanguards took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Michael Mabulac posted double-double 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Emil Renz Palma and John Byron Villarias contributed 14 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Rice Vanguards.
From a 64-all score midway through the fourth quarter, the Rice Vanguards went on a 13-2 scoring run behind triples by Villarias, Bitoon, and Palma and inside hits from Villarias and Bitoon for a 77-66 lead.
The Rice Vanguards maintained the double-digit lead at 85-75 after a basket by Villarias, but the Voyagers made their last push courtesy of Brian Hilario and Brandrey Bienes but could only come within four points.
Dhon Reverente finished with double-double 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Hilario and Elvin Chan contributed 15 markers apiece for the Voyagers.
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