Giant Lanterns sweep way to MPBL glory

MANILA, Philippines — The Pampanga Giant Lanterns completed a perfect run to a back-to-back championship with a 65-61 victory over the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season National Finals late Saturday at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Justine Baltazar, showing why he deserves a second straight MVP award, powered the Giant Lanterns to a sweet sweep of the best-of-five title series.

Imposing his 6-foot-8 frame, Baltazar posted 19 points, 19 rebounds, two assists and one block as Pampanga became the first MPBL team to reign for two straight years.

Archie Concepcion and Encho Serrano supported Baltazar with 19 and 15 points, respectively.

Concepcion, who scored the insurance charity with 10.9 seconds left added five rebounds while Serrano atoned for his Game One ejection and Game Two suspension with six rebounds, three assists and one steal.

Unlike the first two games in Dubai which they dominated, 88-71, and 79-60, respectively, the Giant Lanterns experienced six deadlocks and trailed the Huskers for five minutes and 17 seconds this time.

Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda also marked a milestone, becoming the MPBL’s first back-to-back champion coach.

Quezon got 21 points from Judel Fuentes and 18 points from LJay Gonzales.