By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Quezon City Galeries Taipan trounced the Bacolod Tubo Slashers, 85-73, in the 2025 MPBL action at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday night, July 29.

The Taipans dominated from the second quarter onwards to notch their sixth victory in 20 outings (6-14), while pushing the Tubo Slashers further into the cellar at the 2-18 mark.

John Edcel Rojas powered Quezon City with a double-double performance of 11 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Dave Bernabe added 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, while Nino Ibañez chipped in 12 points and two assists to help seal the victory.

Despite strong efforts from Jayvee Sam Adjei (14 points, seven rebounds and three assists) and Mart James Barrera (14 points and six rebounds), Bacolod could not recover from a double-digit deficit in the second half.

Meanwhile, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards kept pace with the league leaders after a wire-to-wire 94-78 victory over the Bataan Risers.

The 2022 MPBL champions rose to 19-1, forging a three-way tie at the top of the standings with San Juan and Abra Solid North in the 30-team tournament’s elimination round.

Jaycee Marcelino paced Nueva Ecija with 20 points and four assists to earn the best player honors.

Will McAloney contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Negrense Rob Celiz had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Rice Vanguards pulled away for good with an 83-63 advantage midway through the fourth quarter, dealing the Risers their 14th loss in 21 games (7-14) despite Yves Sazon’s 19 points./ASC, WDJ