Pangasinan Survives San Juan Comeback, Wins Game 3 to Enter North Division Finals
The Pangasinan Heatwaves kept their fairy-tale run alive after surviving a late surge from the San Juan Knights to escape with a thrilling 83–80 victory in their do-or-die Game 3 matchup, securing a spot in the MPBL 2025 North Division Finals on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Pangasinan appeared in full control early, exploding from the three-point area to build commanding leads of 36–17 and 39–20, but San Juan refused to fold. Behind Arvin Gamboa and the hot shooting of the Knights, San Juan trimmed the deficit to 47–40 by halftime.
The Knights carried that momentum into the second half, eventually overtaking Pangasinan at 62–59, before Ian Melencio drilled a long buzzer-beating three to tie the game at 62–62 entering the fourth. San Juan then opened the final quarter with a 7–2 run for a 69–64 advantage, placing the Heatwaves on the ropes.
But just as they have throughout their Cinderella campaign, the Heatwaves regrouped. Vic Manuel, Michael Mabulac, Hesed Gabo, and Alyn Bulanadi powered a 10–1 rally, restoring control at 81–75 with 1:31 left. San Juan fought back and trimmed the lead to 81–80, but Manuel’s clutch semi-hook with 32.7 seconds remaining sealed the win.
San Juan had multiple chances to tie the game in the final seconds. Gamboa missed two clean looks from deep, while Mabulac and JP Maguliano secured the critical rebounds to protect the lead and send the Heatwaves to the next round.
Manuel Leads Pangasinan’s Breakthrough Win
Veteran forward Manuel delivered when it mattered most, finishing with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block—earning Player of the Game honors. He also hit two crucial free throws and the final basket that iced the game.
Bulanadi added 15 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while Mabulac tallied a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Gabo contributed 10 points, five assists, and four boards as Pangasinan clinched the series, 2–1.
San Juan’s Effort Falls Short
San Juan’s balanced effort was led by Gamboa, who recorded 16 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. AC Soberano added 15 points, Nikko Panganiban scored 12, and Orlan Wamar and Raul Soyud chipped in 11 each.
The Knights dominated the boards, 57–43, but struggled from long range, converting only 10/40 (25%). Pangasinan countered with 11/27 (40%) from deep, plus a key bench scoring advantage, 41–24.
A Cinderella Run Continues
After stunning No. 2 seed Nueva Ecija in the quarterfinals and now eliminating No. 3 San Juan, the seventh-seeded Heatwaves have become the unlikely force of the MPBL postseason. They now prepare for a best-of-five showdown with the top-seeded Abra Solid North Weavers in the North Division Finals.
The Scores:
Pangasinan 83 – Manuel 21, Bulanadi 15, Mabulac 12, Gabo 10, Digregorio 9, Maguliano 6, Robin 3, Melencio 3, Napoles 2, Galanza 2, Collado 0, Flores 0.
San Juan 80 – Gamboa 16, Soberano 15, Panganiban 12, Wamar 11, Soyud 11, Maiquez 5, Galinato 3, Hugnatan 3, Ramos 2, Alforque 2, Dennison 0, Cullar 0.
Quarter Scores: 30-17, 47-40, 62-62, 83-80.
