Justine Baltazar powers Pampanga whipping of Laguna in NBL

Justine Baltazar had 18 points, 20 rebounds, and six blocks to lead the Converge Pampanga Delta to a 99-72 win over the Laguna Pistons last Sunday in the National Basketball League (NBL) Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando.

The effort of the La Salle standout allowed the Delta to grab an 18-6 first quarter lead and never looked back, on their way to a 5-1 win-loss slate for second place in Group B.

Neil Tolentino added 18 points, and Encho Serrano had 15 points for the home team Pampanga, which sent Laguna to its second loss in four outings.

Meanwhile, Taguig kept its unbeaten slate with a 94-68 win over the Pasig El Pirata.

Richmond Gilbero had 18 points, and Mike Sampurna tallied 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Generals, who secured their fifth win in as many tries to occupy Group A.

Over at the San Leonardo Gym in Nueva Ecija last Saturday, the Quezon City Defenders stunned the Cavite Ballers, 79-76.

Enzo Battad contributed 23 points and Brian Lazo had 22 points. Nikko Lao had 20 points including a triple that gave Quezon City the lead as the Defenders picked up their second win in five games in Group A.

The Ballers fell to an even 3-3 win-loss card.

The Nueva Ecija Besprens won at home, defeating the Marikina Best Shoemakers, 87-62, for a 2-3 card, while sending the winless Shoemakers to their fifth straight defeat.