Pampanga claims NBL title with clincher over La Union

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Pampanga clinched the NBL championship after taking down La Union, 76-68, in Game 4 of their best-of-five finals series at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Wednesday night.

The Delta set up their finishing blow by holding the Paower to just nine points in the second quarter and keeping them at bay in the second half.

Levi Hernandez capped a Finals Most Valuable Player performance with a 24-point, six-rebound, and four-assist showing in Game 4 for Pampanga, which won its first league title.

Michael Juico and Mark Tamayo each added 11 markers.

Jayson Apolonio put up 21 markers, 10 caroms, two dimes, and five steals for La Union.

Box Scores:

Pampanga 76-Hernandez 24, Juico 11, Tamayo 11, Gania 7, Maiquez 6, Pascual 6, Binuya 5, Santos 2, Llangco 2, Manaloto 2, Antiza 0

La Union 68-Apolonio 21, Maynes 15, Silverie 8, Ablao 8, Gatchallan 7, Caasi 5, Fontanilla 4, Francisco 0, Camaya 0, Doliente 0

Quarterscores: 17-18, 35-27, 58-51, 76-68

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