Nueva Ecija keeps hopes up after falling behind in MPBL best-of-3

The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, facing elimination down 0-1 in the MPBL North Division Finals best-of-three series, are determined to force a decisive Game 3 against rivals San Juan. Game 2 will be played at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

Despite leading by as many as 14 points and holding a 12-point halftime advantage in Game 1, Nueva Ecija faltered late and lost 86-82. Coach Jerson Cabiltes expressed confidence, stating "Pinahaba lang namin iyung series. Bawian natin," and emphasizing his team's experience and poise for a comeback.

Nueva Ecija, the reigning champion and No. 2 seed, must now win two consecutive games to defend their title. They have overcome this exact scenario before against San Juan; last season in the North Division finals, they lost Game 1 (72-79) but won the next two games (89-83, 84-68) to advance and eventually win the national championship against Zamboanga (3-1).

Facing the odds, the Bong Cuevas-owned Rice Vanguards aim to repeat history with key players Chris Bitoon, Michael Mabulac, Bryon Villarias, Renz Palma, Will McAloney, and Michael Juico leading the charge.