Pangasinan Stuns Nueva Ecija, Advances to First-Ever North Division Semifinals
The Pangasinan Heatwaves pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 MPBL Playoffs, stunning the No. 2 seed Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards with a dramatic 82–80 Game 3 victory on Tuesday night at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.
The win sends Pangasinan to its first-ever North Division semifinals, where they will face the San Juan Knights.
The hero of the night was none other than Hesed Gabo, who drove to the basket and sank the game-winning shot at the buzzer, capping off a clutch performance with 15 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Gabo’s poise under pressure earned him the full trust of coach Jerson Cabiltes, who fittingly led Nueva Ecija to the national title back in 2022 — making this victory even more poetic.
How Pangasinan Sealed the Upset
The Heatwaves, seeded seventh, came into the deciding game with momentum after winning Game 1 (86–85) at the same venue. Nueva Ecija bounced back to take Game 2 (82–62) at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan, setting up an intense winner-take-all showdown.
Nueva Ecija held a 42–40 lead at halftime and appeared in control late in the game, holding a five-point advantage with under a minute remaining, thanks to free throws from Rob Celiz. But Pangasinan refused to fold.
Veteran Vic Manuel ignited the comeback, drilling a crucial three-pointer to trim the deficit. Moments later, the Heatwaves forced a key turnover, leading to a perfectly executed Allyn Bulanadi-to-Manuel assist that tied the game at 80-all.
On the next defensive stand, Jorey Napoles made a game-saving block on Jaycee Marcelino, giving Pangasinan another possession with just 14 seconds left. From there, Gabo coolly delivered the dagger layup as time expired, silencing the Nueva Ecija crowd.
Balanced Team Effort from Pangasinan
It was a total team effort for the Heatwaves. Alongside Gabo, Manuel also finished with 15 points, including eight straight in the fourth period, plus three rebounds and three assists.
Napoles contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a block, while Bulanadi added 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Pedrito Galanza chipped in nine points, including a two pointer to tie the game at 78, along with three assists, and two steals, and Michael Mabulac provided inside toughness with seven points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Nueva Ecija’s Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, the Rice Vanguards had strong performances across the board. Will McAloney posted a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Rob Celiz added 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Twin brothers Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino both contributed 11 points, with Jaycee also recording six assists, three rebounds, and three steals, and Jayvee adding four boards and two assists. John Bryon Villarias matched their totals with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
But in the end, it was Pangasinan’s grit and composure that made the difference. The Heatwaves’ defensive stops and unselfish ball movement down the stretch sealed a historic win for the franchise.
With their stunning Game 3 triumph, the Pangasinan Heatwaves march into the North Division semifinals, ready to take on San Juan in what promises to be another thrilling series.
The Scores:
Pangasina 82 – Gabo 15, Manuel 15, Napoles 13, Bulanadi 12, Galanza 9, Mabulac 7, Victoria 6, Melencio 3, Flores 2, Pagsanjan 0, Fontanilla 0, Maguliano 0, Bautista 0.
Nueva Ecija 80 – Mcaloney 14, Celiz 12, Marcelino 11, Marcelino 11, Villarias 11, Robles 8, Jamito 6, Ayaay 4, Wilson 2, Manaytay 1, Costelo 0, Mocon 0.
Quarter Scores: 17-25, 40-42, 58-63, 82-80.
