Pampanga seeks sweep of MPBL North Finals vs San Juan at home

Justine Baltazar holds the key to Pampanga's drive for glory. MPBL (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--The Pampanga Giant Lanterns' drive to sweep the San Juan Knights in Game Two of their MPBL Sixth Season North Division Finals at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center is anchored on two streaks.

First, defending champion Pampanga has enjoyed a 14-game run in the MPBL Playoffs since 2023, when it also blanked San Juan, 2-0, in the North Finals.

Second, Pampanga has gone unbeaten for 12 games at the perennially jampacked San Fernando City venue this year.

Banking on their four aces led by reigning MVP Justine Baltazar and also composed of Encho Serrano, Archie Concepcion, and MJ Garcia, the Giant Lanterns dominated the Knights, 91-84, in Game One of the best-of-three series.

Despite with a bloodied nose in the second half, Baltazar posted 14 points, 21 rebounds, and 7 steals; Serrano 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists; Concepcion 18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal; and Garcia 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

They were supported by Renz Alcoriza with 9 points, and Brandon Ramirez and Lervin Flores who also pounded the boards for a pivotal 52-41 edge.

Pampanga Coach Gov. Dennis Pineda expects the Knights, the 2019 MPBL titlists, to play highly physical to offset their height disadvantage and force a deciding Game 3.

For San Juan to do that, Coach Senator Jinggoy Estrada must draw better performances from go-to-guy Orlan Wamar, Nikko Panganiban, Agem Miranda, Michael Calisaan, Dexter Maiquez, Zach Huang, Reynel Hugnatan and Michael Malonzo.

The Knights must also shoot better at the charity stripe where they only made 10 of 21 attempts in Game One.

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