SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Two down, one to go for the Northern Conference champions Pampanga Giant Lanterns.

Archie Concepcion nailed a dagger 3, and MJ Garcia and Encho Serrano added two points each as Pampanga overcame a tough stand by the Bacoor Strikers to win, 68-65, and move within a in of capturing the national title in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here Tuesday.

Pampanga’s seven-point cluster shattered the game’s last deadlock at 61-all and enabled the Giant Lanterns of Gov. Dennis Pineda to clinch their second win in the scheduled best-of-five title series before another overflow home crowd that included MPBL Founder-CEE Manniy Pacquiao and Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.

The Strikers had a chance to force extension, but James Kwekuteye missed his three -point jumper and veteran Mark Yee was unable to beat the buzzer for one last attempt.

Pampanga, which also won 71-58, in the series opener at home last Saturday, can wrap up the title with another victory in Game 3 on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Strike gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.

Game 4, if necessary, will also be played in Bacoor on Dec. 5.

San Fernando will again play host if the best-of-five series goes the full route on Dec. 9.

Concepcion, who was earlier chosen for the Second Mythical Team, led Pampanga with 13 points and eight rebounds and earned “Best Player of the Game” honor over newly-installed MVP Justine Baltazar.

Baltazar, the 6-8 pride of Mabalacat, Pampanga, had a near triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Serrano was also impressive with an all-around game of eight points, six rebounds and five assists for the Giant Lanterns.

John Lloyd Clemente and Jayson Apolonio added seven points each to underscore Pampanga’s balanced firepower.

Kwekuteye, a non-factor in the series opener following his dismal two-point output. redeemed himself by pouring 16 points, 12 coming in the first half, as the Strikers stayed close, 29-33.

Chito Jaime added 12 points and Yvan Ludovice contributed 11 points for Bacoor, which played a lot better in keeping the game close and interesting.

Neither team led by more than seven points until the end.

A long triple by Letran guard and Game 1 top scorer Kurt Reyson put Pampanga back on top, 50-49, after three quarters.

Pacquiao watched the game and awarded Baltazar with the special MVP ball during the awarding ceremonies of the season’s best performers earlier.

Duremdes, MPBL Executive Officer Joe Ramos and Legal Counsel Atty. Glenn Gacal handed out the other individual awards.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya