Foton edges Manila-NU for FBA crown

MANILA, Philippines – Pampanga Foton shrugged off a spotty start and went to its bench for a big finish as it downed Manila National U-MFT, 77-69, to clinch the Filsports Basketball Association Second Conference title at the Colegio De San Sebastian gym in San Fernando, Pampanga Tuesday night.

Allan Mangahas and Jerick Nackpil came off the bench and fired 23 and 17 points, respectively, to help the Toplanders clinched their first title after essaying a 2-1 (win-loss) series victories over the Mica Tan-backed Bulldogs.

Mangahas and Nackpil shone the brightest in the second quarter when they explode for all but five of their team's 27 points in the period to turn an 8-16 deficit in the opening canto to a 35-32 edge at the break.

Mangahas, who played college ball for Mapua, sustained his hot shooting in the second half and then season MVP Levi Hernandez erupted for 15 points in the second half after ending up scoreless in the first that helped seal it for Pampanga Foton.

Marlon Gomez, who was part of the Mythical First Team alongside the prolific Hernandez, did most of the dirty work as he chipped in 10 points to go with a team-high 14 rebounds, four assists and a steal.

Isaa Gaye came through with another monster performance with 17 points, 15 boards and five blocks but didn't have enough gas left in the tank in the end to turn the tide in the Bulldogs' favor.

Pampanga Foton took the series opener, 76-69, but Manila NU leveled the series at one game apiece with a thrilling 111-109 win in Game Two that set up the deciding game.