Nueva Ecija and San Juan begin their battle for the North division crown of the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season Presented by Xtreme on Friday at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.
Owing to their 21-game sweep of the elimination round as well as their two-game mastery of the Marikina Shoemasters in the quarterfinals and the Pasig Giant Lanterns, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards have been installed the favorites over the San Juan Knights in their three-game title playoffs.
The Rice Vanguards beat the Knights, 82-75, on July 12 in the elimination round and will also enjoy the support of the hometown crowd in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.
Nueva Ecija Coach Jerson Cabiltes will again banked on his deep bench to beat San Juan, which also appeared sharp in its two-game sweep of Pasig in the semifinals.
The Rice Vanguards will be powered by John Bryan Villarias, Michael Mabulac, Michael Juico, Will McAloney, and Hesed Gabo.
San Juan coach Randy Alcantara, on the other hand, will depend on Dexter Maiquez, Judel Fuentes, Michael Calisaan, Orlan Wamar, and Ron Dennison.
The South division finals between Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines and Batangas City Embassy Chill will start on Saturday at the Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.
