Pampanga Giant Lanterns win second straight MPBL title

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns made history by being the first-ever back-to-back champions of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League or MPBL after sweeping the Quezon Huskers, 65-61, on Saturday, December 7, at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Justine Baltazar, who also made history by becoming the league’s first back-to-back MVP, led the charge with his monster double-double performance of 19 points and 19 rebounds, to go along with two assists and a block.

Archie Concepcion also scored 19 points and grabbed five boards to support Baltazar, while Encho Serrano who’s back from a one-game suspension, supplemented 15 markers, six boards, three assists and one steal to complete sweep of the best-of-five series.

Jhaymo Eguilos, who’s now a two-time champion (the first was in 2018 with Batangas) grabbed 15 boards to help Pampanga dominate the rebounding department once again, 53-46.

Meanwhile, Judel Fuentes paced the Huskers with 21 points and LJay Gonzales added 18, while Al Francis Tamsi only produced 8.

The Giant Lanterns handily won Game 1, 88-71, and Game 2, 79-60, in Dubai, marking the first time in Philippine basketball that championship games were held on foreign soil.

PAMPANGA 65 – J. Baltazar 19, Concepcion 19, Serrano 15, Eguilos 5, Binuya 4, Viernes 2, Ramirez 1, W. Baltazar 0, Garcia 0, Reyson 0, Alcoriza 0, Gozum 0, Santos 0, De Leon 0, Flores 0.

QUEZON 61 – Fuentes 21, Gonzales 19, Tamsi 8, Minerva 4, Abundo 4, Opiso 3, Sandagon 2, Bunag 1, Placino 0, Matillano 0, Alcala 0, Marasigan 0, Gravera 0, Lagrama 0, Ibanez 0.

Quarters Scores: 12-8, 30-27, 46-47, 65-61.