By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tubo Slashers snapped a rough stretch in style, riding the explosive shooting of John Lemuel Pastias to crush the Manila Batang Quiapo, 102-58, in the 2025 MPBL Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Wednesday, September 3.

Pastias, a former STI-West Negros University Mustangs standout, erupted for 37 points after hitting 8-of-10 triples and converting all three of his free throws.

His performance powered Bacolod to its fourth win in 25 games (4-21), while handing Manila its 22nd loss in 25 outings (3-22).

Aldave Canoy and Mark Ray Malazarte added 12 points apiece for Bacolod, while Tzady Rangel chipped in six points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Bacolodnon Alfred Sedillo paced the Batang Quiapo with 10 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

In the nightcap, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards continued their dominant campaign by overwhelming the Sarangani Grippers, 115-67.

Fourteen of Nueva Ecija’s 15 players scored as the squad collected its 24th victory against two defeats, keeping pace with division leader Abra (23-1) and holding off San Juan (22-2) in the North Division standings of the 30-team, two-division tournament.

Jammer Jamito led the Rice Vanguards with 21 points and eight rebounds, followed by Will McAloney with 16 points.

Negrense JP Calvo finished with 12 points, nine assists, three steals, and two rebounds.

Jaycee Marcelino with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Billy Robles and Byron Villarias also chipped in 10 points each.

Sarangani fell to 9-16, sharing 12th place in the South Division with Imus and jeopardizing its play-in hopes.

The Grippers were led by Martin Gozum with 11 points, while Kyt Jimenez and Ken Brillantes with 10 points apiece./ASC, WDJ