The Pampanga Giant Lanterns are looking to make history as they face the Bacoor City Strikers for a chance to close out their best-of-three series and to clinch their first ever MPBL National Finals. The Giant Lanterns are sitting on a comfortable 2-0 series lead after dominating and escaping the Strikers in game 1 and 2 respectively.
For the Strikers, their mission is to defend their homecourt in games 3 and 4. If they are successful, they can force a winner-take-all game 5 in Pampanga.
The Strikers were on the brink of an upset in game 2 but James Kwekuteye's game-tying 3 missed the target. Kwekuteye redeemed himself in the second game after a disastrous national finals debut in the first game.
However, while Kwekuteye had a great game in game 2, it was Jhan Nermal who went missing as he only managed to score six (6) points on 1/5 shooting. In contrast, he led the Strikers in game 1 with 16 points.
The Bacoor City Strikers will need both Nermal and Kwekuteye to play great basketball at the same time. If only Nermal managed to deliver the same output in game 2, the Strikers could have won the game.
Meanwhile, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns depth is proving to be a key for them. In game 1, Kurt Reyson scattered 22 points to drag the Lanterns to a dominant 71-58 win. In game 2, Archie Concepcion took the driver's seat as he poured 13 points. Nonetheless, in both games, Justine Baltzar was consistently the main man with double-double output in both games.
Watch the games tonight at 7:00 PM via livestreaming at the MPBL's Facebook and Youtube Page. You can also watch the games live on TV through MPTV Channel 98 on Cignal.
MPBL 2023 NATIONAL FINALS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Game 1: Pampanga 71-58 Bacoor
Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex, Pampanga
Game 2: Pampanga 68-65 Bacoor
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