The Pampanga Giant Lanterns' drive to sweep the San Juan Knights in Game Two of their MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 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 gone unbeaten in the MPBL playoffs in 14 games dating back to 2023, when it also blanked San Juan, 2-0, in the North Finals.
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Second, Pampanga has gone unbeaten for 12 games at the perennially jampacked San Fernando City venue this year.
Banking on their Big Four of reigning MVP Justine Baltazar, 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 playing with a bloodied nose in the second half, Baltazar posted 14 points, 21 rebounds and 7 steals; Serrano added 22 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists; Concepcion 18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal; and Garcia 13 pints, 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 braces for fightback
Pampanga coach Gov. Dennis Pineda expects the Knights, the 2019 MPBL titlists, to play highly physical in order to offset their height disadvantage and force a deciding Game 3.
For San Juan to do that, coach 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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