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| This time, it's Quezon's turn to lose a home game in the MPBL South Division Finals. LA Arcin (file photo) |
MANILA—For the second straight year, one game of the MPBL South Division Finals between Biñan and Quezon will be played on neutral grounds.
Due to the unavailability of the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena, Quezon is forced to borrow Pasig's home court, the Ynares Sports Arena, for the opening game of its best-of-five series against Biñan on Tuesday night.
A staff member at the Quezon Provincial Sports Office confirmed to Dugout Philippines on Monday that the Quezon Convention Center is already booked for the South Luzon Dairy Fair organized by the National Dairy Authority.
"Sayang nga kasi Game 1," said the staff member, who requested anonymity.
The said event will run until Wednesday, which means the arena will be available on Thursday night for Game 2.
This is not the only time the national semifinal battle was played outside of Lucena and Biñan, as the Tatak Gel suffered the same dilemma last year.
The Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan was booked for a company event on the same night the Tatak Gel were supposed to host Game 4 on Dec. 3, 2025.
Biñan looked at the Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz as the alternate venue, but at the last minute, the Laguna provincial government, which mainly manages the arena, pulled out due to air-conditioning repairs, prompting the club to play Game 4 at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Huskers, who got to play all three games at home last year, beat the Tatak Gel in the South finals that went the full five games to make a return to the national finals.
However, with Quezon losing one home game, Biñan, which won Game 4 despite the handicap then, can pounce on the opportunity to draw first blood in their rematch.
