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| Kurt Reyson begins setting up a play for Pampanga. MPBL |
MANILA—Pampanga drew first blood in the MPBL National Finals after romping Quezon, 88-71, early Monday (Philippine Time) at the Al-Nasr Club in Dubai.
Despite losing Encho Serrano due to a disqualifying foul, the Giant Lanterns showed their championship pedigree.
Eventually, they pulled away from the Huskers, who still put up a fight despite losing LJay Gonzales.
Serrano inadvertently hit Gonzales while going for a drive with 8:30 left in the second quarter, shaking the latter up.
The referees upgraded the offensive foul into a disqualifying foul, sending Serrano off the game.
Despite the ejection, Pampanga took control of the second quarter and opened a 47-35 halftime lead.
Quezon still put up a gallant stand, but with their main clutch player out for the rest of the game, Pampanga dominated the field.
Balti Baltazar led the Giant Lanterns with 24 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, while Archie Concepcion added 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Despite the passing of his father, Brandon Ramirez shook off the emotions and played an inspired game off the bench with 11 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Rodel Gravera was the lone bright spot for Quezon with 20 points on 7-for-9 field goals including 5-of-6 on threes, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at the said arena with Husker Gab Banal expected to return after serving his one-game suspension and Serrano sitting out due to his own ban.
However, questions now arose on the availability of Gonzales, who was rushed to the hospital after the hit from Serrano and is expected to undergo concussion protocols if needed.
Box Scores:
Pampanga 88 - Baltazar 24, Concepcion 17, Ramirez 11, Alcoriza 9, Reyson 8, Binuya 5, Garcia 5, Eguilos 4, Viernes 3, Flores 2, Serrano 0.
Quezon 71 - Gravera 20, Fuentes 8, Tamsi 8, Marasigan 6, Minerva 6, Opiso 6, Sandagon 6, Buñag 4, Lagrama 3, Canon 2, Ibañez 2, Abundo 0, Gonzales 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20, 47-35, 70-58, 88-71
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