In their maiden season, the Pampanga G Lanterns have achieved a historic victory in the Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League Pro Division Second Conference Dumper Cup, dethroning the Davao Occidental-Cocolife Tigers and securing their place as champions of the tournament.
Led by Justine Baltazar — who was named the finals MVP, the G Lanterns secured a hard-fought 79-72 victory over the Tigers before a stunned RMC Gymnasium crowd on Thursday.
Baltazar’s impressive performance saw him notch 19 points and 18 rebounds.
Japs Pambid contributed 10 points and two rebounds while Louie Sangalang, Archie Concepcion, and Michael Garcia also made significant contributions.
The G Lanterns’ journey to the top of the tournament was no easy feat, as they faced tough competition throughout the event. However, they remained determined and focused on their goal, which was to secure the championship title.
The team was led by coach and Pampanga governor Dennis “Delta’ Pineda, who provided the necessary guidance and support to help them achieve their success in the tournament that was presented by Dumper party-list, Winzir, and Skin Care Depot, co-presented by SCD Cosmetics, and supported by NET 25, Adcon, Wcube Solutions Inc., MDC, Unisol, Don Benitos, and Finn Cotton, with PBA and Gilas Pilipinas great Marc Pingris serving as Commissioner.
Larry Rodriguez led the way for Davao Occidental with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Micole Sorela contributed 10 points and three rebounds.
Former PBA player John Wilson was also recognized as the season MVP of the meet.
The Scores:
PAMPANGA G 79 – Baltazar 19, Pambid 10, Sangalang 8, Concepcion 7, Garcia 7, Reyson 6, K. Santos 6, Celada 5, Caralipio 4, Binuya 3, R. Santos 2, De Leon 2, Delo Rosario 0.
DAVAO OCCIDENTAL-COCOLIFE 72 – Rodriguez 22, Sorela 10, Wilson 10, Calo 8, Subido 5, Robles 4, Agovida 4, Abundo 4, Dagangon 3, Jimenez 2, Mag-Isa 0, Celiz 0, Balagtas 0, Custodio 0.
Quarterscores: 15-22, 38-41, 55-55-79-72.
