San Fernando, PAMPANGA – Oohs and aahs were heard from the jam-packed home crowd inside the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center after witnessing the Pampanga Giant Lanterns eliminate their top rival in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) North division, the San Juan Knights. Pampanga sweeps San Juan, 81-73, in the best-of-three semifinal round and advances to the Finals once more.
Pampanga’s Big Three of Baltazar, Concepcion, and Serrano Spoils Wamar’s 30-piece
Despite Orlan Wamar Jr. giving it his all by firing a season-high 30 points, San Juan still fell short against the reigning champs. It was a pretty close matchup and it looked like the Knights had a bit of control over the game. Since the beginning of the fourth period, there were seven lead changes as both teams went back and forth with each other. However, by the 3:39 minute mark, Pampanga suddenly went on a 10-2 run to complete the win.
Aside from Wamar, the only San Juan player to crack at least 10 points was Nikko Pollo Panganiban.
The offensive firepower of the Giant Lanterns trio was showcased in game 2. Justine Baltazar finished with another terrific outing with 24 points, 4 assists, 18 rebounds, and 2 steals. Archie Concepcion also gave a wondrous performance after putting up 19 points and 3 rebounds while Encho Serrano was as reliable as ever with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Pampanga has won 15 straight playoff games and is now 13-0 at home.
MPBL Finals in UAE
The Pampanga Giant Lanterns have successfully booked a ticket to the 2024 MPBL Finals in hopes of becoming back-to-back champs. But, to make things even more explosive, the first two games of the National Finals will be held in Dubai, UAE on December 1 and 2. The 2023 champions will still have to wait for who wins between the Quezon Huskers and Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters. The South Finals game 2 will be played on Tuesday, November 12 at the Batangas City Coliseum.
