Giant Lanterns a win shy of semis

MANILA, Philippines —  Defending champion Pampanga battered Abra, 79-64, Tuesday in Game 1 of their North Division quarterfinal playoff in the  MPBL Sixth Season at the jampacked Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Shrugging off a shaky start following a 23-day break, the Justine Baltazar-powered Giant Lanterns took control at halftime, 40-26, and never let up to move within a win of the semifinal round.

The Lanterns will try to wrap up the series on Oct. 16.

Showing why he’s the reigning MVP, Baltazar tallied game-highs 24 points and 16 rebounds to go with seven assists and two blocks as he ran away with the Daily Fantasy Best Player honors over Archie Concepcion and MJ Garcia.

Earlier, Nueva Ecija, led by Robby Celiz, subdued Pasay, 81-72, in the opener of their quarterfinal playoff and likewise moved on the verge of advancing to the semifinal round.