There will be a new set of finalists in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) national finals as the Pampanga Giant Lanterns and Bacoor City Strikers take center stage. After winning the championship trophy of their respective divisions, both Bacoor and Pampanga are entering the national finals for the very first time.
The Pampanga Giant Lanterns will have home court advantage due to its superior standing in the elimination round. Accordingly, the first two (2) games will be played at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center before the series shifts to the Strike Gym in Bacoor for game three (3) and four (if necessary). Should the series reach game 5, the penultimate match will be held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
The Bacoor City Strikers are coming to the finals as the consensus underdogs given the deep lineup of the Pampanga Giant Lanterns led by the dynamic duo of Justine Baltazar and Encho Serrano. Nonetheless, the Strikers will parade more veterans with national finals experience such as Jhaymo Eguilos, Mark Yee and Aaron Jeruta.
While outnumbered, the Strikers have young guns like James Kwekuteye and Jhan Nermal who have been leading the team in scoring. These two (2) will definitely be needed to match up against the young bloods of Pampanga.
For the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, they are overloaded with young talents, most of which are products of the grassroots basketball program of Pampanga. Aside from Baltazar and Serrano, the Lanterns will also be powered by Archie Concepcion, John Lloyd Clemente, JB Bahio, MJ Garcia, and Louie Sangalang.
Who will be crowned as the new champion of the MPBL? Will experience prevail over youth? While many expect Pampanga to win it all, the Bacoor City Strikers are very much capable to complete an upset. One this is for sure though, there will be a new champion in the MPBL this season.
Check out below the Schedule and Venue of the 2023 MPBL National Finals
Game 1: Pampanga 71-58 Bacoor
Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex, Pampanga
Game 2: November 28, 2023 (7:00 PM)
Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex, Pampanga
Game 3: December 2, 2023 (7:00 PM)
Strike Gym, Bacoor
Game 4: December 5, 2023 (If necessary)
Strike Gym, Bacoor
Game 5: December 9, 2023 (If necessary
Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex, Pampanga