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Taguig nears NBL title after away stunner over Pampanga

Jonathan Lontoc was a key player in the Generals' Finals Game 1 win.
By Dugout Philippines

MANILA—Taguig beat Pampanga, 92-82, on Sunday to capture Game 1 of the National Basketball League (NBL) Season 1 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The Generals snatched the homecourt advantage away from the Delta to grab the best-of-three series opener. Taguig can sweep the finals series on Sunday at home to be held at the Hagonoy Sports Complex.

Kean Caballero scored 20 points, and Rickson Gerero had 19 points for Taguig, which stole Game 1 after outscoring Pampanga, 25-13, in the fourth period.

Jonathan Lontoc was also key for Taguig as he had 15 points and six rebounds, four on the offensive, to claim the victory on the road.

The Generals trailed 69-67 entering the fourth when they opened the quarter with a 10-0 run on baskets by Lontoc, Caballero, and Gerero. Tamayo cut the deficit to one, 83-82, but Hel Francisco converted a tip-in to stop Pampanga’s run. Gerero scored a jumper and Caballero hit two free throws to seal the win.

Mark Tamayo finished with 16 points, and Bryan Santos tallied 14 points for Pampanga but the Delta will look to force a do-or-die finals match in Game 2 next weekend.

Box Scores:

TAGUIG 92 – Caballero 20, Gerero 19, Lontoc 15, Alcantara 12, Francisco 10, Cambaya 6, Sampurna 4, Oliveria 2, Mayo 2, Pumaris 2, Quintana 0, Ajero 0, Gilbero 0, Mamalumba 0.

PAMPANGA 82 – Tamayo 16, Santos 14, Francisco 13, Ganiya 12, Manaloto 12, Bautista 6, Diangson 4, Villarente 3, Orbe 2, Tungcul 0, Dizon 0, Dela Pena 0, Lapena 0, Ocampo 0.

Quarterscores: 23-25, 46-43, 67-69, 92-82.

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