Kurt Reyson explodes in surprise return as Pampanga takes MPBL Finals opener vs Bacoor City

Kurt Reyson made a surprise return and even put up a surprise brilliance from long range. MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

TIAONG—Kurt Reyson surprised not just the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga but probably the Filipino basketball fans in general as well as he suited up for Pampanga and led the team to a 71-58 win against Bacoor City in Game 1 of the MPBL National Finals.

Reyson, who missed the remainder of what would be his last collegiate year with the Letran Knights due to a hamstring injury, returned to his professional team, the Giant Lanterns, with a bang, leading them with 22 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc and 6-for-6 from the free throw line with four rebounds and one assist off the bench.

Defense, however, was the key for Pampanga as the home side held Bacoor City to just seven points in the first quarter and nine in the third to set the tone for their blowout win.

Balti Baltazar, the leading regular season MVP candidate, added 13 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, one block, and two steals for the Giant Lanterns, who drew first blood in their best-of-five series against the Strikers.

Jhaymo Eguilos and Jhan Nermal each scored 16 points for Bacoor City.

Game 2 is on Tuesday night also at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

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