Pampanga lights up MPBL elims

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Pampanga trounced Negros, 104-81, last Thursday to extend its hot streak in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

South Cotabato shared the limelight following a come-from-behind 82-81 victory over Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle Game X in the nightcap of another elimination round triple bill of the 29-team tournament.

The Giant Lanterns roared to their 10th straight win after an initial loss, staying close to 9-0 pacesetters San Juan Knights, Quezon Huskers and Nueva Ecija Vanguards.

Showing why he’s the reigning MPBL MVP, the 6-foot-8 Baltazar chalked 18 points and 17 rebounds that enabled Pampanga to rule the boards, 67-46, and pull down Negros to 4-8.

Manila SV Batang Sampaloc dumped Quezon City TODA Aksyon, 76-57, behind Francis Escandor and Ahmad Didat Hanapi in the opener to post its third straight win and rise to 8-4.

Quezon City tumbled to 4-7.

MPBL Founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao watched the South Cotabato-Biñan tussle with his wife Jinkee and son Michael, who’s officially the team owner of the Warriors.