Pampanga Lanterns close out campaign with win over Zambo

THE Pampanga Lanterns edged playoff-bound Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines, 87-85, to close out its campaign on a winning note in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Angeles Univcersity Foundation Arena in Angeles City late Saturday night.

Juneric Baloria scored five of his team’s last six points in the final 38 seconds for Pampanga, which ended its eliminations campaign with an 11-14 record, the same record held by the Caloocan Supremos. But by virtue of the win-over-the-other rule, the Supremos, who defeated the Lanterns in their only elimination-round encounter, got the eighth and last spot in the northern division playoffs of the tournament put up by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with Philippine Basketball Association legend and former Most Valuable Player Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

In the other game, Bacoor scuttled Basilan, 79-67, to stay in contention for the No. 5 spot.

Following its latest win and coupled by Zamboanga’s loss earlier, Bacoor could get the fifth spot in the southern division playoffs with a win against Parañaque in the continuation of its last five minutes match that was ordered to be replayed by Duremdes due to technical issues.

Baloria, a deadshot guard, made things possible for Pampanga. He knocked in a triple in the 38-second mark to push his team up, 84-82.

Baloria’s former college teammate, Harold Arboleda, responded with a trey of his own in the next play to put Zamboanga ahead, 85-84.

In the next play, Baloria drove hard to the basket and was fouled in the process by Arboleda, then calmly sank both free throws still 12 seconds left and put the Lanterns back on the driver’s seat, 86-85.

With no timeouts left, Zamboanga rushed to the other end, and Roño lost his balance while dribbling from the backcourt and turned the ball over.