PAMPANGA — Defending champion Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards may have came up short at the start of their semifinal match against San Juan Knights in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), but coach Jerson Cabiltes is already taking about a big rebound when the series returns home for the next two games.

Despite the efforts of John Byron Villarias, Chris Bitoon and William Mcaloney, Nueva Ecija dropped an 82-86 decision to San Juan in the opener of their best-three playoffs at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga last Friday.

Villarias finished with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting and three rebounds, while Bitoon added 14 points on 4-of-8 in the three-point territory in the Rice Vanguards’ setback to the Knights.

Mcaloney contributed 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Roi Sumang chipped in with 10 points in 18 minutes of action before he got injured in the third period.

Cabiltes, however, is hoping for a bounce-back victory on November 3 at their home court.

“We didn’t finish strong as expected. We also committed alot of fouls and even gave up alot of free throws that led to their comeback,” said Cabiltes during his assement of the tensely-fought game.

“As I’ve said, masyado maaga na-penalty with our individual defense in the third quarter. We gave up 35 free throws to San Juan, which they converted to 21 points. Medyo mabigat yung masyado madaming freethrows kaming ibinigay.”

After Nueva Ecija led by 12 points at halftime, San Juan became much more aggressive in the second half.

“They became much more aggressive in the second half. Hindi namin natapos ito. They made a run, and then we missed some free throws. In the end, we committed a bad foul which allowed them to score,” Cabiltes recalled.

The multi-titled Nueva Ecija coach also lamented the injury sustained by Sumang.

“Si Roi.na-injured nung third quarter. It’s hard for him to come back. Sinubukan namin pero kitang-kita naman, he can’t move literally. Instead na ma-aggravate ‘yung injury nya, we decided to sit him down,” said Cabiltes said on Sumang’s injury in the third quarter.

Asked about San Juan’s offensive game, Cabiltes had a ready answer.

“Actually, it’s more of the halfcourt 2-man game kami nahirapan. Sa takbuhan naman, they’re missing. We’re forcing them to miss shots, but they’re getting the offensive rebounds tapos pag-kickout nila, nasho-shoot ‘yung three.”

“Stop Nikko Panginaban. We just have to stop them. Panganiban, Orlan Wamar, Adrian Nocum, Marwin Taywan, Michael Calisaan and Zachary Huang. It’s a team loaded with young players. You cannot say they’re young because they’re experienced already. Not too young, not too old. They’re just at the peak of their careers right now. They’re playing at a high level at the peak of their careers. Andon sila sa age na mataas yung level nila. We need to contain them, individually and as a team,” explained Cabiltes.

Asked about their homecourt advantage, Cabiltes said “Pinahaba lang natin itong series. Babawian natin.”