Rice Vanguards forge rubber vs Knights

MANILA, Philippines — Nueva Ecija went through overtime before subduing San Juan, 89-83, last Monday and forcing a deciding Game 3 in the North Division title series last Monday in the OKbet-MPBL Season 4 presented by Xtreme at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

The Rice Vanguards survived the horror of losing a 26-point lead, 46-20, in the second quarter then banked on JR Taganas and Hesed Gabo in the extra period to avenge their 72-79 loss to the Knights last Friday.

Game 3 will be on Friday at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

Taganas fired 19 points, including the dagger three with 48 seconds left, snared 15 rebounds and pulled off two steals to earn best player honors. Gabo fired five of his 18 points in that span.

Renz Palma was the other Rice Vanguard in twin digits with 10. Jay Collado also did his share with seven points, including four in overtime, and five rebounds.

Judel Fuentes finished with 27 points but only two in overtime for the Knights.

San Juan also got 14 points from Marwin Taywan, who sparked the comeback with back-to-back triples opening the third quarter, and 10 points from Michael Calisaan.

Despite shooting badly, San Juan persevered behind Fuentes and cut the gap somewhat, 30-49, at the half.