By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Quezon Huskers led all the way and subdued the Bacolod Tubo Slashers, 85-74, to stay close behind the leaders in Manny Pacquiao Presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday, July 17.

Powered by Gab Banal, LJ Gonzales and Vince Magbuhos, the Huskers surged ahead at 59-39 and proceeded to notch their 16th win against three losses, good for the top spot in the South Division and fourth overall in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Banal chalked up 13 points and three rebounds to clinch the best player honors over Gonzales, with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

Magbuhos scored 12 points and three rebounds.

Bacolod tumbled to 2-17 despite Mark Ray Malazarte’s 17 points, three rebounds and two steals.

Aldave Canoy had 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, while Mart James Barrera had 15 points, three rebounds and two assists.

The MPBL takes a break from July 18 to July 20 in deference to MPBL Founder and Chairman Manny Pacquiao’s world title fight against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, July 20 (Philippine time).

The games will resume on Monday, July 21 with matches pitting Pangasinan against Imus at 4:00 p.m., Abra against Davao at 6:00 p.m., and Batangas against Mindoro at 8:00 p.m. at the Batangas City Coliseum./ASC, WDJ