Encho Serrano thrills in NBL debut, powers Pampanga romp of Marikina

Encho Serrano powered the Converge Pampanga Delta to a 100-73 win over the Marikina Best Shoemakers on Sunday in the resumption of the National Basketball League (NBL) Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando.

The La Salle cager from Apalit entertained the home fans with his exploits after he scored 26 points and dished out five assists for the Delta to win their first game of the season in the league for homegrown talents.

Jerome Tarucan had 24 points for Marikina but the Best Shoemakers were unable to withstand the Delta attack to fall to 0-2 in Group B of the first conference of Season 3.

Meanwhile, Keanu Caballero scored a jumper with 1.8 seconds left to lift reigning champion Taguig Generals to a 73-72 win over the Muntinlupa Emeralds in their first game of their title defense.

In games last Saturday at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex, Joseph Penaredondo had 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Lifenet Corp Caloocan Executives picked up their first win in three games with a 92-88 victory over the Pasig El Pirata in Group A. The El Pirata slipped to 1-2.

Shin Manacsa had 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Laguna Pistons improved their record to 2-1 with a 91-87 victory over the Zamboanga Valientes in Group B. The Valientes are still winless in three games.

The league goes to La Union on January 11 and 12 with the home team La Union Paower, Pampanga Delta, Paranaque Aces, and Nueva Ecija Bespren playing matches.