The Quezon Huskers poured their reserve power in the second half to beat Binan Tatak Gel, 56-49, and retain the South Division crown in the MPBL 2025 Season at the overfilled Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Trailing for most of the first half, the Huskers seized control after three quarters, 38-36, clustered nine points early in the fourth to break free, 47-39, and take the best-of-five series, 3-2, to barge into the MPBL National Finals against the Abra Solid North Weavers, the North Division champions.
Ljay Gonzales, rested in the second quarter, took charge when it mattered, firing eight of his game-high 14 points in the last ten minutes, to go with 2 assists and 2 rebounds to clinch best player honors.
Vince Magbuhos provided support with 13 points and 9 rebounds, followed by Joshua Yerro with 8 points and Christian Pagaran with 7.
Their pooled effort compensated for the absence of top gunner Judel Fuentes, who injured his left ankle in Game Four. Will Gozum and JP Sarao, on the other hand, were not in Quezon’s submitted lineup for the game.
Binan, which scored only six points in the third quarter and 19 in the second half, drew 10 points from Pamboy Raymundo, 9 points from Carlo Lastimosa, and 7 each from Jaymar Gimpayan and Kenny Roger Rocacurva.
With Joseph Gabayni also snagging nine rebounds, the Huskers ruled the boards, 44-38, despite Rocacurva’s 10-rebounds.
Binan’s Marc Pingris was held to four points and four rebounds while Warren Bonifacio went scoreless with five rebounds and two assists in Game Five.
Quezon downs Binan, retains South crown
