Defending champion Pampanga went into overtime to edge Nueva Ecija, 83-80, on Wednesday, setting up a North Division title clash with San Juan in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Homegrown stars MJ Garcia and Encho Serrano each sank two free throws in the closing seconds to nullify MJ Ayaay’s pair for Nueva Ecija, clinching Pampanga’s 2-0 sweep of the best-of-three semifinal series before an enthusiastic home crowd.
Serrano’s two free throws with 11.5 seconds left gave the Giant Lanterns an 83-80 lead, and Nueva Ecija missed their chance to force another extension after JC Cullar turned the ball over with just 3.4 seconds remaining.
Nueva Ecija, the 2022 MPBL champion, initially pushed the game into overtime with Ayaay’s clutch triple to tie it 70-70 with only 2.4 seconds left.
But the Giant Lanterns remained resolute, with Archie Concepcion and reigning MVP Justine Baltazar joining forces with Garcia and Serrano to secure the victory in overtime.
Despite playing through a knee injury, Serrano led Pampanga with 23 points, five rebounds, and three assists, earning him Daily Fantasy Best Player honors over Concepcion, who contributed 18 points, four assists, four rebounds, and two blocks.
Baltazar added 10 points, a staggering 25 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while Garcia chipped in 10 points—including six in overtime—alongside five rebounds and three assists.
Brandon Ramirez’s 14 rebounds further boosted Pampanga’s efforts as they dominated the boards, 67-56.
Pampanga Coach and Governor Dennis Pineda, feeling unwell, stated he plans to give the Giant Lanterns a brief rest before preparing for a rematch of last year’s best-of-three North Finals against the San Juan Knights, whom they swept 2-0.
Nueva Ecija saw strong efforts from Will McAloney with 13 points and nine rebounds, Ayaay with 11 points, and Cullar, who contributed 10 points, eight assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Robby Celiz added nine points and 12 rebounds in the valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
