The Quezon Huskers recovered their bearing in time to beat Biñan Tatak Gel, 66-56, on Monday and take a 2-1 lead in the MPBL 2025 Season South Division Finals at the packed Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Quezon’s guns went silent early in the fourth quarter, allowing Biñan to threaten at 54-56.
Judel Fuentes, however, found his touch and bunched seven points, his total output, to decide the outcome, 65-55, with 2 minutes and 3 seconds to go.
The Huskers won Game One, 57-55, but the Lagunenses struck back in Game Two, 68-65.
Ljay Gonzales atoned for his low production in the first two games, posting a game-high 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, while Gab Banal supported with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
Gonzales shone in the third quarter, splitting two free throws to give Quezon its biggest lead, 56-43, with 1 minute and 35 seconds to go.
The Huskers led by as many as 12 points, 15-3, in the first quarter, but Biñan rallied behind Carlo Lastimosa and Kenny Roger Rocacurva to level the count at 38 at the break.
Rocacurva finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Pamboy Raymundo tallied 11 points and 4 assist.
Banal’s back-to-back triples pushed the Huskers ahead, 31-20, with 7 minutes and 10 seconds left.
Game Four will be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. If necessary, Game Five will return to the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The winner of the series will tackle North Division champion Abra in the best-of-five MPBL Seventh Season National Finals.
