Robby Celiz converted timely shots in the endgame as the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards prevailed over the San Juan Knights-Go for Gold, 97-86, in the 2025 MPBL Season on Saturday night at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum.
The former PBA forward kept the Knights at bay as he drained consecutive baskets with over a minute remaining, stretching the Rice Vanguards’ advantage to double digits at 97-84.
Celiz finished the game with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a steal to be named Player of the Game as the Rice Vanguards notched their 11th victory in as many games.
“Talagang pinaghandaan namin sila eh kasi parehong undefeated tapos homecourt pa namin, so hindi ito about sa akin, it’s about the team, to the coaches, to the players, to the staff, lahat kami nagtatrabaho,” Celiz said after the game.
“This game, crinecredit ko sa coaches, maganda ‘yung scouting (nila sa San Juan) at ‘yung game plan nila,” he added. “We just want to stay humble; wala pa kaming napapatunayan this season, and hungry kami sa championship.”
William McAloney added 20 markers, eight rebounds, and three assists, while John Wilson and Jaycee Marcelino contributed 14 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Rice Vanguards.
Orlan Wamar Jr. finished with 18 points and nine assists, Dexter Maiquez and Arvin Gamboa tallied 14 markers apiece, and Michael Calisaan ended with 11 points as San Juan dropped to a 9-1 mark.
Meanwhile, Lervin Flores posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Pangasinan Heatwaves (6-4) scored a 91-78 victory over the Pasay Voyagers (7-5).
The Zamboanga SIKAT (10-2), on the other hand, continued their impressive start after an 82-77 win over the Quezon City TODA Aksyon (3-8), 82-77. James Sena finished with 12 points for the Player of the Game honors.
The post Robby Celiz clutch as Nueva Ecija deals San Juan’s first defeat first appeared on Fastbreak.
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