Pampanga Foton repels NU-MFT, claims FBA title

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Foton bucked a shaky start then turned back Manila National U-MFT with a strong finishing kick, 77-69, to capture the Filsports Basketball Association Second Conference crown at the Colegio De San Sebastian gym in Malolos, Bulacan Tuesday night.

Allan Mangahas and Jerick Nackpil came off the bench to score 23 and 17 points, respectively, as the Toplanders rallied to repulse the Bulldogs and clinch the crown via a 2-1 victory in their best-of-three series.

Mangahas and Nackpil took charge in the second quarter when they combined for all but five of their team’s 27 points, turning an 8-16 deficit in the opening period 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 exploded for 15 points in the last 20 minutes after being held scoreless in the first half to help seal the win for Pampanga Foton.

Marlon Gomez, member of the Mythical first team alongside the prolific Hernandez, finished with a double-double job of 10 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. He also made four assists and had a steal.

Isaa Gaye also put in a double-double performance of 17 points and 15 boards with five blocks to boot but lost steam in the event, enabling the Toplanders to complete their come-from-behind win.

Pampanga Foton took the series opener, 76-69, but Manila NU leveled the series with a thrilling 111-109 win in Game Two to set up the rubber match.