Nueva Ecija nears MPBL regular season sweep with win over Pasig

Byron Villarias was efficient from beyond the arc for the now 20-0 Nueva Ecija team. MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

STA. CRUZ, Laguna--Nueva Ecija moved to within a win from sweeping the MPBL regular season after tripping Pasig, 77-66, on Wednesday night at the Laguna Sports Complex.

In a potential preview of the Northern Division Finals, Nueva Ecija outplayed Pasig in the final three quarters after the latter looked poised to finally put a dent in the former's record in the first quarter.

Michael Mabulac led the now 20-0 Nueva Ecija squad with 18 points, four rebounds, and one assist off the bench.

Michael Juico added 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Nueva Ecija can complete the sweep with an Oct. 7 win against Batangas City in a potential national finals preview in Palayan.

Ryan Costelo put up 15 markers, four boards, four dimes, and one steal for Pasig, which fell to third place in the North at 13-6.

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