The Nueva Ecija Capitals hope to extend their winning streak to nine games as they go up against the Bicol Spicy Oragons in the PSL President’s Cup at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Game time is 6 p.m.

The Capitals of well-known businessman-sportsman Bong Cuevas and coach Jerson Cabiltes, secured their eighth consecutive win with a dominant 100-73 victory over the RCP Shawarma Shack Demigods last week.

Veterans Michael Juico, Ralph Robin, Axel Doromal, and Chris Bitoon provided the firepower for the Capitals, also recognized as the Rice Vanguards in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Juico finished with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting in just 12 minutes of play, with Robin adding 12 points, and Axel Doromal chipping in with 11 points for Nueva Ecija.

Bitoon, who was later named the “Best Player of the Game”, also stepped up for Nueva Ecija as he contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Focus of attention was Hesed Gabo, who again donned the Nueva Ecija uniform following his departure from the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA.

“I’m just happy and grateful sa opportunity na binigay sa akin ng Nueva Ecija, lalo na nina Boss Bong (Cuevas), Ma’am Rianne, boss Ivan and Mayor Vianne,” said Gabo.

“Masaya ako na nakabalik ako dito sa team. All I can promise is now is to always give my best. Yun PBA experience ko sa practice and playing with those guys, malaking bagay yun,” added Gabo.

Roi Sumang and Byron Villarias also joined in the scoring parade with eight and seven points, respectively.

Robby Celiz, JP Maguliano and Will McAloney also added six points each.

Cabiltes also extended a warm welcome to Gabo as he rejoined the roster of Nueva Ecija.

“It’s a very good addition. Talagang he’s my player before tska sa previous championships namin nanjan siya so welcome addition sa pagbabalik ni Hesed mas makakaganda sa team,”

Nueva Ecija asserted control in the rebounding category, securing 47 boards compared to RCP’s 27, and exhibited superior ball movement with 31 assists, against RCP’s 21.