A winning run of 13 straight victories in basketball is a spectacular achievement demonstrating extraordinary talent, perseverance, and pure domination on the court. In the fifth season of the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League), Pampanga beat Pasig 81-66 on Thursday at the packed Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, the capital of Pampanga.
Liwag, who Used to play for Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mindoro in the MPBL, added eight points and seven rebounds. Clemente, who is 6 feet 3 inches tall and used to be a star on National University’s high school and college teams, added six points. Encho Serrano, John Lloyd Clemente, and Allen Bryant Liwag helped the Giant Lanterns win their 13th straight game in the elimination round of the 29-team event.
The Giant Lanterns were already dangerous, with Justine Baltazar at the lead. These players captivate audiences with their offensive prowess and leave a lasting impact on the sport. Their ability to convert a high volume of shots showcases their offensive firepower and elevates them to a league of their own.
Baltazar was the key to Pampanga’s plays and ended up with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Serrano, who turned down a contract extension with Phoenix Super LPG to play for his home province, made an immediate impact with 15 points, six assists, four steals, and three rebounds to earn best player honors.
Allan Mangahas and Kyle Neypes contributed 15 and 14 points to help Manila improve to 2-13. While Michael Are and Troy Mallillin accordingly led Rizal’s offense with 16 and 15 points. Still, Alvin John Capobres clinched the Golden Coolers’ sixth victory in 15 games with two charity shots in the final five seconds. Bicol suffered its fifteenth consecutive loss.
Today, Friday, the MPBL travels to the Olivarez College Gym, where Pasay faces Mindoro at 4 p.m., Quezon City faces Marikina at 6 p.m., and Socsargen faces host Paranaque at 8 p.m.
