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| Pampanga rules the MPBL. Ivan Saldajeno |
BACOOR—Pampanga came alive in the fourth quarter to turn back Bacoor City, 82-77, and sweep the MPBL National Finals on Saturday night at the Bacoor City STRIKE Gymnasium.
Down 53-48 after three quarters in a tight Game 3, the Giant Lanterns erupted for 34 points in the final frame to clinch the championship in front of the Strikers' home crowd.
Encho Serrano led Pampanga, which won its first-ever MPBL title by becoming the first to sweep the best-of-five finals, with 24 points, two rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Archie Concepcion added 18 points, three rebounds, and one assist off the bench.
Balti Baltazar, who was named the Finals MVP, put up 11 points, seven in the fourth quarter, 19 rebounds, five assists, one block, and three steals.
Jhan Nermal fired 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, while James Kwekuteye added 15 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting, three rebounds, two assists, and one block for Bacoor City in what would be their final MPBL game before joining the PBA.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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