Defending champion Pampanga defused Nueva Ecija's final lunge and won Game One, 76-73, of their North Division semifinal series in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday night, Oct. 26.

Powered by Justine Baltazar, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns broke away, 63-53, early in the fourth quarter. The Rice Vanguards rallied through John Wilson and JB Bahio, who knotted the count for the fifth and last time at 67 with his second free throw, 5 minutes and 15 seconds to go.

The Giant Lanterns, however, countered with eight points, capped by a triple by Encho Serrano, against a basket by Rob Celiz to decide the outcome, 75-69, entering the 3-minute mark.

Showing why he's the reigning MVP, Baltazar posted 15 points, 26 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals to earn the Daily Fantasy best player honors.

Serrano also did his part with 19 points, including a charity with 9 seconds left, and 5 rebounds.
Other Giant Lanterns who shone were Kurt Reyson with 11 points and 3 rebounds, MJ Garcia with 10 points and 6 assists and Brandon Ramirez with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

The Rice Vanguards, who led at 26-33 in the second quarter, got 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists from Celiz, 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists from Wilson and 9 points plus 5 rebounds from Will McAloney.

Exploiting their height advantage, the Giant Lanterns poured in 50 points against only 26 for the Rice Vanguards.
Pampanga will try to sweep the best-of-three series on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The MPBL playoffs resume on Monday, Oct. 28, with the South Division semifinal playoffs at the Quezon Convention Center pitting Batangas against South Cotabato at 6 p.m. and Paranaque against Quezon Province at 8 p.m.