The Pampanga Giant Lanterns overpowered the Davao Occidental Tigers, 81-47, on Wednesday to stretch their hot streak in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Showing why they’re the defending MPBL champion, the Giant Lanterns held the Tigers, the MPBL Lakan Season titlist, to just 17 points in the first half and led by as far as 79-41 in posting their 11th straight win after an initial loss in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Pampanga overtook San Juan (9-1) at the third spot, trailing Nueva Ecija and Quezon Province, both with 10-0 cards.
Lervin Flores, a former Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 member, delivered the most for Pampanga with 15 points and 19 rebounds, followed by reigning MPBL Justine Baltazar with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
Other Giant Lanterns who shone were Encho Serrano with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Archie Concepcion with 10 points and 3 rebounds and Kurt Reyson with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
Earlier, Iloilo clamped down on South Cotabato in the third quarter then rev up its offense in the fourth to tally an 89-83 victory and rise to 5-7.
Bicolandia finally tallied its breakthrough victory at the expense of Bacolod City of Smiles, 62-61, in the opener and tied its victim at 1-12.
