Giant Lanterns chalk up 11th straight win

MANILA, Philippines — The Pampanga Giant Lanterns overpowered the Davao Occidental Tigers, 81-47, on Wednesday to stretch their hot streak in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The defending champs Giant Lanterns held the Tigers, the MPBL Lakan Season titlists, to just 17 points in the first half and led by as many as 79-41 on the way to their 11th straight win after an initial loss in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

Pampanga overtook San Juan (9-1) at the third spot, trailing Nueva Ecija and Quezon Province, both with 10-0 cards.

Lervin Flores, a former Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 member, delivered the most for Pampanga with 15 points and 19 rebounds, followed by reigning MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

Earlier, Iloilo clamped down on South Cotabato in the third quarter then revved up its offense in the fourth to tally an 89-83 victory and rise to 5-7.