QUEZON DOWNS BINAN FOR 2-1 LEAD IN MPBL SOUTH FINALS

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon Huskers recovered their bearing in time to beat Binan Tatak Gel, 66-56, on Monday and take a 2-1 lead in the 747 Live presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season South Division Finals at the packed Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Quezon's guns went silent early in the fourth quarter, allowing Binan to threaten at 54-56. Judel Fuentes, however, found his touch and bunched seven points— his total output—to decide the outcome, 65-55, with 2:03 to go.

The Huskers won Game 1, 57-55, but the Lagunenses struck back in Game 2, 68-65.

Ljay Gonzales atoned for his low production in the first two games, posting a game-high 26 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Gab Banal supported with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Gonzales shone in the third quarter, splitting two free throws to give Quezon its biggest lead, 56-43, with 1:35 to go.

The Huskers led by as many as 12 points, 15-3, in the first quarter, but Binan rallied behind Carlo Lastimosa and Kenny Roger Rocacurva to level the count at 38 at the break.

Rocacurva finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Pamboy Raymundo tallied 11 points and four assists.

Banal's back-to-back triples pushed the Huskers ahead, 31-20, with 7:10 left.

Game 4 will be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. If necessary, Game 5 will return to the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

The winner of the series will tackle North Division champion Abra in the best-of-five National Finals.

2025-12-02T03:31:24Z