Kurt Reyson went from potential goat to hero on Wednesday as Pampanga overcame a tough challenge from Abra, 66-55, to advance to the North Division semifinals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Pasay City.
The former Letran star missed two critical free throws but redeemed himself by grabbing the offensive rebound and sinking a decisive short jumper with 10.2 seconds remaining.
This clutch play allowed the Pampanga Giant Lanterns to sweep the best-of-three series and keep their title defense on track.
Pampanga had won Game 1 convincingly, 79-64, at their home court in San Fernando, but encountered stiff resistance from the Weavers in Game 2. Abra had an opportunity to force a different outcome, but Andres Desiderio’s corner jumper missed at the buzzer.
Reigning MVP Justine Baltazar once again led the way for the Giant Lanterns, posting 14 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.
His dominant performance earned him the Daily Fantasy best player honors over teammate Archie Concepcion, who contributed 16 points, including three triples, and 4 rebounds.
Baltazar also reached the 1,000-rebound milestone, adding to his earlier achievement of surpassing 1,000 career points.
Pampanga’s homegrown talent, MJ Garcia, also stepped up with 12 points and 6 assists, supporting coach Governor Dennis Pineda’s squad in the hard-fought victory.
Trailing 60-64 late in the game, Abra briefly took control after Sherwin Concepcion drained a triple and Ryan Batino knocked down a jumper with 22.5 seconds remaining. However, Reyson’s heroics sealed the win for Pampanga.
Batino led Abra with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Desiderio added 13 points and 8 rebounds.
Arvie Bringas chipped in with 10 points and 6 rebounds for the Weavers.
Coach Pineda acknowledged the tough fight Abra put up, noting that the path ahead would only get more challenging as the playoffs progress.
