The La Union PAOwer defeated the Pampanga Delta, 84-80, Saturday night in Game 2 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga to even the best-of-five finals series of the National Basketball League Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup.
Jayson Apolonio led four players in double digits with 17 points while adding seven rebounds and four steals as the PAOwer kept themselves in contention in the championship series by tying the series at 1-1.
Apolonio also converted a jumper to break an 80-80 and La Union protected the slim lead with hustle plays and defensive effort in the end game.
The PAOwer also converted 12 threes and limited Pampanga’s Levi Hernandez to only four points to avoid being in a 0-2 hole.
Game 3 is slated on Monday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center where the NBL bubble is situated.
La Union opened the first quarter with a 30-17 lead, and survived after furious runs by Pampanga throughout the game.
Roman Gatchallan also scored 15 points and converted three three-pointers for La Union, which survived a 22-of-46 shooting from the free throw line.
Dexter Maiquez had 25 points, but it was not enough as the Delta failed to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The scores:
LA UNION 84—Apolonio 17, Gatchallan 15, Doliente 12, Maynes 10, Silverie 9, Fontanilla 9, Ablao 6, Francisco 5, Caasi 1, Graycochea 0, Camaya 0.
PAMPANGA 80 —Maiquez 25, Santos 11, Gania 11, Tamayo 8, Antiza 7, Juico 5, Hernandez 4, Manaloto 4, Llangco 2, Enriquez 2, Binuya 1, Baltazar 0.