Pampanga defeated La Union, 76-68, in Game 4 on Wednesday to capture the National Basketball League Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Delta of head coach and Pampanga governor Dennis Pineda claimed their first NBL championship, winning over the PAOwer, 3-1, in the best-of-five championship series.
Levi Hernandez scored 24 points and was adjudged as the finals MVP for his consistent performance in the entire series. He sparked the second quarter in which the Delta outscored the PAOwer, 18-9, and a 35-27 halftime lead.
Mark Tamayo and Michael Juico each had 11 points and made key shots that contained La Union in the second half.
Jayson Apolonio topscored for the PAOwer with 21 points, but the team showed a gallant effort in the entire series. La Union was able to tie the series in Game 2 with an 84-80 win.
The NBL staged a bubble to complete its Season 3 following the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the supervision of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
The NBL bubble was situated at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex where all teams, staff, and production team underwent three tests, with all yielding a negative result. Strict health protocols were also implemented during the bubble.
Scores:
PAMPANGA 76—Hernandez 24, Tamayo 11, Juico 11, Gania 7, Maiquez 6, Pascual 6, Binuya 5, Santos 2, Manaloto 2, Llangco 2, Antiza 0.
LA UNION 68—Apolonio 21, Maynes 15, Silverie 8, Ablao 8, Gatchallan 7, Caasi 5, Fontanilla 4, Doliente 0, Francisco 0, Camaya 0.
Quarterscores: 17-18, 35-27, 58-51, 76-68.