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| Encho Serrano was pumped up in Pampanga's Game 1 win against Nueva Ecija. MPBL |
MANILA--Pampanga held off Nueva Ecija for a 76-73 win in Game 1 of the MPBL North Division semifinals on Saturday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Giant Lanterns heaved a sigh of relief as the Rice Vanguards could not complete a late comeback despite their chances.
Pampanga was up 75-69 with three minutes left when Will McAloney and Robby Celiz scored back-to-back layups to cut the lead to two with 2:11 to play.
However, despite continuing force stops on the other end, Nueva Ecija could not convert baskets that could have even given them the lead back.
The Giant Lanterns also struggled to close out the game as Encho Serrano missed a free throw with eight seconds left.
However, JB Bahio nearly flubbed a pass, which led to the Rice Vanguards milking much of the remaining time before John Wilson was forced to take a hurried three that only rimmed out at the final buzzer.
Encho Serrano fired 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block off the bench for Pampanga, which can sweep the best-of-three series on Wednesday night at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Balti Baltazar added monster numbers of 15 points, 26 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals.
Celiz led Nueva Ecija with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block.
Box Scores:
PAMPANGA 76 - Serrano 19, J. Baltazar 15, Reyson 11, Garcia 10, Ramirez 10, Conveption 6, Eguilos 3, Flores 1, Binuya 1, De Liano 0, Alcoriza 0, W. Baltazar 0, Santos 0, De Leon 0, Viernes 0.
NUEVA ECIJA 73 - Celiz 21, Wilson 15, McAloney 9, Costelo 6, Ayaay 5, Bahio 3, Mocon 3, Collado 3, Cullar 3, Robles 3, Magbuhos 2, Arenas 0, Daquioag 0, Valin 0, Derige 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 34-36, 61-52, 76-73
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