Binan equalizes vs Quezon, forces decider in MPBL South finals

MANILA, Philippines, December 5 ------ Binan Tatak Gel weathered Quezon Province's last furious assault to prevail, 57-53, in Game 4 and force a sudden-death in the 747 Live presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season South Division Championship at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Ahead throughout, the Lagunenses saw their imposing 55-40 spread cut to 56-53 by the Ljay Gonzales-led Huskers, but held the fort to level the best-of-five series at 2-2. Gonzales poured in 12 of his game-high 15 points in the fourth quarter in a desperate bid to fill up the slack left by Judel Fuentes, who hurt his ankle and settled for just two points in 15 minutes and 18 seconds of play.

Kenny Roger Rocacurva led Binan with 11 points, four rebounds and two blocks, followed by Warren Bonifacio with 10 points, five assists and two rebounds, and Pamboy Raymundo with nine points and two assists. Veteran Marc Pingris also shone for Binan with five points, 11 rebounds and two assists.

Just when the outcome seemed decided, Gonzales, who also tallied five assists and three rebounds, turned hot and pumped in nine points in the last three minutes and coupled with a tip-in by Joshua Yerro pushed Quezon to within 53-56, only 31 seconds to go. Three straight triples, two by Bonifacio and one by Raymundo pushed Binan ahead, 14-4, before Quezon's Mon Abundo pegged the first quarter count. Rocacurva bunched five points to pad Binan's lead to 27-16 at the half, where Quezon converted only one of nine triple attempts.

Quezon won Game 1, 57-55, and Game 3, 66-56, while Binan snatched Game 2, 68-65. Game 5 will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City. The winner of the series will tackle North Division champion Abra in the best-of-five MPBL National Finals starting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.

Source: philstar.com