MANILA, Philippines – Pampanga moved on the cusp of being the first back-to-back champion in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League after a 79-60 thumping of Quezon in Game 2 of the finals held at the Al Nasr Sports Club’s Rashid Bin Hamdan Indoor in Dubai, UAE, on Tuesday, December 3.
Kurt Reyson shone with 20 points built on 6 triples, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Giant Lanterns, who followed up their 88-71 rout in Game 1 with another emphatic victory to grab a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Reigning MVP Justine Baltazar also produced all-around numbers of 13 points, 19 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks as Pampanga gets a chance to sweep the Huskers at home in Game 3 at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center in San Fernando on Saturday, December 7.
Baltazar scattered 5 points in a 14-7 finishing run the Giant Lanterns used to close the game out after Quezon pulled within 53-65 off a Judel Fuentes three-pointer with over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Raymond Binuya added 12 points and 4 assists for Pampanga, Jhaymo Eguilos put up 10 points and 9 rebounds, while Archie Concepcion contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Binuya joined forces with Reyson in the second quarter as they scored 7 and 9 points, respectively, in a pivotal 16-0 run that gave the Giant Lanters a commanding 38-21 lead.
Stocky big man Brandon Ramirez chimed in 6 points, all in the fourth quarter, with 7 rebounds in the win that saw Pampanga shoot 40% from the field against the Huskers’ cold 28% clip.
The Giant Lanters have won 11 straight games, with their last loss coming in August at the hands of the San Juan Knights, whom Pampanga swept in the North Division finals.
Fuentes paced Quezon with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, Al Francis Tamsi had 11 points and 2 steals, while Rodel Gravera posted 9 points and 11 rebounds. – Rappler.com
