The Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center is expected to be filled to the brim tomorrow night as the much-anticipated battle between the defending champion Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards and the Pampanga Giant Lanterns will unfold on July 1, 2023 at 08:00 PM.
The two (2) teams are the titans in the North Division with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns remaining as the only unbeaten team so far with a 15-0 record. Meanwhile, the Rice Vanguards are not far behind with a record of 14-1, the sole loss courtesy of the Sarangani Marlins.
Given the league-leading records of these two (2) teams, a dogfight is expected tomorrow. The Giant Lanterns will definitely rely on the dynamic duo of Encho Serrano and Justine Baltazar.
In three (3) games so far that he played for the Giant Lanterns, Serrano is averaging 23.7 points at a very efficient rate of 60% field goal. He also adds 5.3 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.7 steals per game. As for Justine Baltazar, he is producing 18.4 points per outing at a rate of 53.9% field goal. His biggest contribution though is in the rebounding department as he grabs 17 rebounds per game. He also contributes 1.3 steals per match and 1.7 blocks per game.
The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards have their own duo as well in Will McAloney and Michael Juico. McAloney is the leading scorer of the Rice Vanguards with 14.8 points per game. He is followed by Michael Juico who owns an average of 11.8 points each game.
If you plan to watch the game at the venue, you need to go early as the seats will be filled up early. Tickets will be distributed at the venue starting 2:00 PM on a first come, first served basis.