Defending champion Pampanga battered Abra, 79-64, on Tuesday in Game 1 of their North Division quarterfinal playoff in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the jampacked Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Shrugging off a shaky start following a 23-day break, the Justine Baltazar-powered Giant Lanterns took control at halftime, 40-26, and never yielded it back to move within a win of advancing to the semifinal round of the two-division tournament that started with 29 teams in the round-robin elimination phase. Earlier, Nueva Ecija subdued Pasay, 81-72, in the opener of their quarterfinal playoff and likewise move on the verge of advancing to the semifinal round.
Spearheaded by Robby Celiz, the Rice Vanguards surged ahead, 80-64, to stay.
Celiz notched 23 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks, followed by JB Bahio, Emman Calo and JC Cullar.
Showing why he’s the reigning MVP, Baltazar tallied game-highs 24 points and 16 rebounds to go with 7 assists and 2 blocks to run away with the Daily Fantasy best player honors over Archie Concepcion and MJ Garcia.
Concepcion posted 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while Garcia chalked 10 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals to help the Giant Lanterns extend their hot streak to 12 at their homecourt.
Led by Baltazar and Brandon Ramirez, who notched 8 points and 10 rebounds, the Giant Lanterns controlled the boards, 54-44, and decisively outscored the Weavers, 58-34, inside the paint.
Pampanga coach Gov. Dennis Pineda said his wards struggled to get their rhythm as they didn’t play for three weeks after securing the No. 2 spot behind the San Juan Knights in the North Division.
But once the Giant Lanterns hit their stride, they left the Weavers behind by as far as 67-46 early in the fourth quarter.
