Pampanga-Luid repulses Batang Kankaloo for PSL national crown

MANILA, Philippines — Foiled in its championship mission in the Luzon Finals, Pampanga-Luid more than made up for it in going all the way to the top in Born 2008 Division of the PSL National Finals, following an 85-79 triumph over Caloocan yesterday.

With its solid firepower, Pampanga outlasted the Batang Kankaloo down the stretch, taking top honors and a slot in the Global Championship Challenge.

Five players finished in double figures for Pampanga led by Chester Tulabut with 20 points.

But overall, it was the solid, all-around performance of Yujin Peña which stabilized Pampanga.

The burly but shifty Peña came away with a double-double performance of 14 points and 10 boards while also dishing out four assists and adding one block and a steal.

Iverson Pineda put in 13 points and 12 assists, Kent Lagman contributed 12 points, four assists and four steals while Jay Castro chipped in 10 for Pampanga which is now heading to the Global Championship Challenge, the flagship event of the Pilipinas Super League.

The PSL Global Challenge opens on July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.