While other teams are busy playing tuneup games during the FIBA break, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns opted to have a team building vacation in Boracay. The team currently leads the MPBL standings with a 23-2 record so this could be an early reward from their head coach Governor Delta Pineda.
The Giant Lanterns are already assured a slot in the playoffs. With only 3 games left against Bacolod City of Smiles, Muntinlupa Cagers and the San Juan Knights, a homecourt advantage all throughout the playoffs as the number one seed is very much a done deal.
Nonetheless, despite a momentary break from the hard court, the Lanterns are definitely determined to win Pampanga's first ever championship crown in the MPBL. They already won the PSL trophy prior to the start of the 2023 MPBL season. Another championship trophy will be very much welcomed in the Lanterns' trophy case.
After recently beating the reigning South Division Champions Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines last August 24, the Giant Lanterns will return to the basketball court on September 14, 2023 at Bataan People's Center against the Bacolod City of Smiles.
Thereafter, they will host the Muntinlupa Cagers on September 25, 2023. This will be the last home game of the Giant Lanterns in the elimination round.
The last elimination game of the Giant Lanterns on September 30, 2023 at the Quezon Convention Center is expected to be another blockbuster as they will face their nemesis San Juan Knights. The Knights led by Adrian Nocum and Orlan Wamar will face their toughest challenge against the Justin Baltazar and Encho Serrano-led Pampanga Giant Lanterns