Pampanga edges Bacoor, 68-65, in Game 2 of MPBL national finals

Justine Baltazar won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as anticipated, before leading Pampanga to a 68-65 victory over Bacoor in Game 2 of the MPBL Fifth Season national finals. Following his coronation at the pre-game ceremony attended by MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao, Baltazar nearly achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.

Baltazar delivered crucial assists late in the game as Pampanga broke a 61-61 tie with a decisive 7-0 run. This secured the win and gave the Giant Lanterns a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, where Pampanga aims to sweep the series.

Pampanga entered the finals after an impressive playoff run, sweeping Marikina, Caloocan, and San Juan to win the North Division without a loss, following a 26-2 elimination round record. After a commanding 71-58 win in Game 1, Game 2 was much tighter. No team led by more than seven points, with Pampanga holding a 68-61 lead late after five straight points from Encho Serrano. Bacoor rallied late but missed opportunities to tie, including a missed three-pointer by James Kwekuteye and a failed last attempt by Mark Yee at the buzzer.

James Kwekuteye (16 points), Chito Jaime (12 points), and Yvan Ludovice (11 points) were the top scorers for Bacoor, who now look to defend their home court in Game 3 to keep their title hopes alive.

Alongside Baltazar on the Mythical First Team were Bacoor's JM Nermal, San Juan's Orlan Wamar, Nueva Ecija's Will McAloney, and Zamboanga's Jaycee Marcelino (last season's MVP). Nermal was also named Most Improved Player. Kwekuteye led the Mythical Second Team with Makati's Rob Celiz, Batangas' Jheckster Apinan, Pampanga's Concepcion, and Pasig's Ryan Costelo.

Other award winners included San Juan's Adrian Nocum (Rookie of the Year), General Santos' Chris Masaglang (Best Homegrown), Pasig's Jason Ballesteros (Best Defensive Player), Imus' Poypoy Actub (Impact Player of the Year), Nueva Ecija's Jay-R Taganas (Sportsmanship Award), and Manuel Carlos "Goody" Ilagan, president and CEO of Camaya Coast Beach Properties (sponsor of the Bataan Risers), as Executive of the Year.