THE MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) National Finals will pit the Southern Conference champions Bacoor Strikers and the Northern Division titlists Pampanga Giant Lanterns.

Bacoor clamped down on defense in the final minutes to subdue the Batangas City Embassy Chill Athletics, 54-49, and capture the MPBL South Division crown at the Batangas City Coliseum last Friday.

Aaron Jeruta, who earned “Best Player of the Game” honors, led a balanced scoring attack with seven points, six rebounds and three assists as Bacoor finished off Batangas, 2-0, in the scheduled best-of-three championship showdown.

Bacoor also won over Batangas, 89-65, in Game 1 held at the Strike gymnasium in Bacoor City last Monday.

No Bacoor player was able to score in double figures, but the team received ample support from five other players.

Jhaymo Eguilos, a former Batangas starter, added nine points and seven rebounds, James Kwekuteye contributed eight points and nine rebounds, Jhan McHale Nermal had eight points and four rebounds, JammerJamito had seven points, and Mark Yee had four and nine rebounds.

Jeckster Apinan finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, and CJ Isit added nine points for Batangas, which even took a 38-28 lead in the opening minutes of the third quarter after falling behind 21-23 at halftime.

However, Jamito clustered five points and blocked two shots and Nermal drilled in a triple to push Bacoor to within 40-44 after three quarters.

MPBL Commissioner awarded the championship trophy to Bacoor Strikers team owner Dennis Abella.

The Strikers and the Lanterns, the North Division will clash in the best-of-five national finals starting Friday, Nov. 24 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya