The OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season elimination round resumes with an explosive twin bill at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.

Defending champion Nueva Ecija tackles the 2023 Preseason Invitational titlist Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines at 8 p.m., following the 6 p.m. clash between MPBL Datu Cup winner Batangas City and newcomer Quezon Province.

All these teams are already assured of playoff slots, with Nueva Ecija, toting a 21-4 record, and Batangas (19-5) certain to land in the top four and enjoy the homecourt advantage in the knockout round of the two-division, 29-team tournament.

Quezon (17-7) and Zamboanga (17-8) are contesting the No. 4 spot in the South division and both are expected to go all-out against their favored rivals.

Unlike Quezon, Zamboanga will have an extra push from the hometown crowd and a tested coach in Louie Alas, who got the chance to know the caliber of his players better with the two-week break the MPBL took in deference to the 2023 FIBA World Cup co-hosted by the Philippines.

For sure, however, twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, Judel Fuentes, King Caralipio and Joseph Gabayni will get their minutes against the Rice Vanguards, who are at least 3-deep in all positions.

Nueva Ecija Coach Jerson Cabiltes has at his disposal the likes of Will McAloney, Michael Mabulac, Michael Juico, Roi Sumang, Chris Bitoon, Pamboy Raymundo, Byron Villarias, Jonathan Uyloan, Sherwin Concepcion, Renz Palma, Jay Collado, Orin Catacutan, JR Taganas and homegrowns Harvey Pagsanjan and Bobby Balucanag.

Batangas, still hoping to dislodge Bacoor (21-4) from the South top spot, will be led by Levi Hernandez, Jong Baloria and Jeckster Apinan.

Quezon, on the other hand, will lean on Alfrancis Tamsi, Robin Rono, Thomas Torres and JK Casino.

AUTHOR PROFILE

People's Tonight