After a long break due to the FIBA World Cup 2023, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) will return to its regular programming with a sure blockbuster rematch between defending champion Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards and last season's runner up Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines.
The highly-anticipated match will be held at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City on September 11, 2023 at 08:00 pm. The Batangas Embassy Chill and Quezon Huskers will open the hostilities at 06:00 pm.
To recall, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards and the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines dueled in the national finals of the MPBL 2022 season. Unfortunately for Zamboanga, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards captured the crown after a win in game 4 before Zamboanga's home crowd.
Since then, the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines reinforced its lineup with the signing of Judel Fuentes and Dexter Maiquez from the San Juan Knights. The team recently hired coach Louie Alas at the latter part of the season to boost their campaign.
While Nueva Ecija retained almost all of its championship core and just added a few young studs, they remain a top contender for the national championship trophy. Needless to say, the rematch is a potential classic.
Tickets are priced at P50.00 for the bleacher seats and P350 for lowerbox (orange) seats. Ticket outlets are located at Z.C. Goldenboys Gym, 96.3 I FM radio station andJuvies Halo-Halo at Yubengco Tetuan and Ayala branches.