Baltazar lights up Lanterns

MANILA, Philippines —  Defending champion Pampanga thumped Pangasinan, 74-50, last Thursday and stretched its hot streak in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Behind Justine Baltazar, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns posted their 15th straight win after an initial loss in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament, trailing only the 14-0 Quezon Huskers.

The 6-foot-8 Baltazar, the reigning league MVP, posted 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks as Pampanga led by as far as 66-40 over Pangasinan, which skidded to 6-9.