Taguig took a huge come-from-behind win from Pampanga, 92-82, to capture Game 1 of the National Basketball League (NBL) Season 1 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga, on Sunday.
The Generals snatched the homecourt advantage away from the Delta to grab the best-of-three series opener. Taguig can sweep the finals series next Sunday at home, at the Hagonoy Sports Complex.
The Generals stole Game 1 after outscoring Pampanga, 25-13, in the fourth period.
Kean Caballero scored 20 points, while Rickson Gerero had 19 points for Taguig. Jonathan Lontoc was also key, as he had 15 points and six rebounds — four on the offensive end — to claim the victory on the road.
The Generals trailed 69-67 entering the fourth, before they opened the quarter with a 10-0 run on baskets by Lontoc, Caballero, and Gerero. Tamayo cut the deficit to one, 83-82, but Hel Francisco converted a tip-in to stop Pampanga’s run. Gerero then scored a jumper, while Caballero hit two free throws to seal the win.
Mark Tamayo finished with 16 points, while Bryan Santos tallied 14 points for Pampanga.
The Delta will look to force a do-or-die finals match in Game 2 next weekend.
The Scores:
Taguig 92 – Caballero 20, Gerero 19, Lontoc 15, Alcantara 12, Francisco 10, Cambaya 6, Sampurna 4, Oliveria 2, Mayo 2, Pumaris 2, Quintana 0, Ajero 0, Gilbero 0, Mamalumba 0.
Pampanga 82 – Tamayo 16, Santos 14, Francisco 13, Ganiya 12, Manaloto 12, Bautista 6, Diangson 4, Villarente 3, Orbe 2, Tungcul 0, Dizon 0, Dela Pena 0, Lapena 0, Ocampo 0.
Quarterscores: 23-25, 46-43, 67-69, 92-82.
