October 26, 2024 – The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season 6 playoffs continues to intensify! Pampanga Giant Lanterns held on to a close win in game 1 of the semifinals against the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards as they moved inches closer to becoming back-to-back champions.
Pampanga managed to topple their Northern division rival, 76-73, behind another classic terrific performance from Justine Baltazar.
Baltazar With a Classic Double-Double to Seal the Deal
The Giant Lanterns were ahead by double digits by the fourth period until 2019 MVP John Wilson tried to make a comeback for Caloocan by scoring 9 straight points. Eventually, Pampanga thwarted Wilson’s late outburst to secure the dub to lead the series 1-0.
Reigning MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar dominated the boards after getting 26 huge rebounds on top of 15 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. The 27-year-old superstar had just joined the 1k rebound and 1k point club, becoming the second player to do so after Mark Yee.
Star guard Encho Serrano also chipped in with 19 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Caloocan’s Robby Celiz and John Wilson did what they could, but Pampanga proved to be the better team. Celiz had 21 huge points and 9 rebounds while Wilson gathered 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Pampanga and Nueva Ecija will face each other again for game 2 of the semis on October 30 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Scores:
- Pampanga Giant Lanterns vs. Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (76-73)
- San Juan Knights vs. Batang Kankaloo (71-65)
