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2023 MPBL finals

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2023 MPBL finals
TeamCoachWins
Pampanga Giant Lanterns Dennis Pineda 3
Bacoor City Strikers Alex Angeles 0
DatesNovember 25 – December 2, 2023
MVPJustine Baltazar
Northern finalsPampanga def. San Juan, 2–0
Southern finalsBacoor City def. Batangas City, 2–0
← 2022 MPBL finals 2024 →

The 2023 MPBL Finals was the championship series of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League's (MPBL) 2023 season and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. In the best-of-five playoff, the North Division champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns faces the South Division champion Bacoor City Strikers, with both teams having not won an MPBL title before, this series will determine which team will become the league's fifth different champions.[1] The series began on November 25, 2023 and ended as December 2, 2023. The Pampanga Giant Lanterns (26–2) holds homecourt advantage in the series for having a better regular season record than the Bacoor City Strikers (23–5). This marks the first Finals appearance for both teams. Justine Baltazar was named as the Finals MVP.

This is the first time since the league's national expansion in the 2018–19 season in which the Finals features two Luzon-based teams. This is also the second consecutive Finals in which neither team is based in Metro Manila.

For sponsorship reasons, this series is officially known as the 2023 Nexus88 MPBL Finals presented by Xtreme.

Background

Pampanga Giant Lanterns

Pampanga governor Dennis Pineda brought the Giant Lanterns to their first MPBL Finals appearance.

After back-to-back Division Semifinals appearances in 2020 and 2022, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns loaded its roster throughout the course of the 2023 season. Justine Baltazar and Encho Serrano are among the notable additions to the Giant Lanterns, both of them would go on to become all-star selections in the 2023 All-Star Game. Led by their head coach in Pampanga governor Dennis Pineda, the homegrown-laden Giant Lanterns finished the regular season with a league-best 26–2, only losing to Batangas and Makati. The team's 26 wins is also tied with the 2020 San Juan Knights and Davao Occidental Tigers for most wins in a single season.

In the playoffs, Pampanga swept through Marikina and Caloocan in the first two rounds before stumbling upon the Wamar-led San Juan Knights in Pampanga's first Division Finals appearance.[2] Although Pampanga took the series advantage with a win in game 1, game 2 proved to be a challenge as San Juan led by 13 points heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Pampanga scored 25 points while San Juan was held down to just six points as the Giant Lanterns appear in their first-ever MPBL Finals.[3] Pampanga became the second Central Luzon-based team to make the Finals after Nueva Ecija last season.

Bacoor City Strikers

Ever since joining as Cavite's second team, Bacoor City has seen success in the semi-professional era with 2019 MVP Gab Banal. The Strikers reached the Division Semifinals in back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020. After finishing with a losing record in 2022 following Banal's move to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), a rebuild followed ahead of the 2023 season which saw the arrivals of Jhan Nermal, James Kwekuteye, and the return of Michael Cañete. Also joining the Strikers is former MPBL Finals MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Mark Yee. Nermal, Kwekuteye, and Cañete were all selected for the All-Star Game. Coached by Alex Angeles, Bacoor City finished the season as the South Division's top seed with a 23–5 record.

Following an unexpected loss to Iloilo in game 1 of the First Round, the Strikers fought through, defeating Iloilo in three and then defeating reigning South Division champion Zamboanga in the Division Semifinals. In the Division Finals, Bacoor City met with their Calabarzon neighbors in the second-seeded Batangas City Embassy Chill, who were only one game behind the Strikers in the regular season.[4] Whilst game 1 was a blowout win for Bacoor City, Batangas City had the early lead in game 2. In the fourth quarter, the Strikers scored 14–5 over the Embassy Chill to take the lead and eventually sweep the series.[1] Bacoor City became the second Calabarzon-based representative in the Finals after Batangas City.

Road to the Finals

Pampanga Giant Lanterns (North Division champion) Bacoor City Strikers (South Division champion)
Pos Team Pld W L GB
1 Pampanga Giant Lanterns 28 26 2
2 Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards 28 23 5 3
3 Makati OKBet Kings 28 21 7 5
4 Caloocan Batang Kankaloo 28 20 8 6
5 Pasig City MCW Sports 28 19[a] 9 7
6 San Juan Knights 28 19[a] 9 7
7 Pasay Voyagers 28 17 11 9
8 Marikina Shoemasters 28 16 12 10
9 Bataan Risers 28 13 15 13
10 Rizal Golden Coolers 28 12 16 14
11 Parañaque Patriots 28 11 17 15
12 Bulacan Kuyas 28 7 21 19
13 Manila Stars 27 4 23 21.5
14 Quezon City Toda Aksyon 28 3[b] 25 23
15 Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc. 28 3[b] 25 23
Source: Standings
Notes:
  1. ^ a b Pasig wins tiebreaker over San Juan based on head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b Quezon City wins tiebreaker over Valenzuela based on head-to-head victory.
Regular season
Pos Team Pld W L GB
1 Bacoor City Strikers 28 23 5
2 Batangas City Embassy Chill 28 22 6 1
3 GenSan Warriors 28 21 7 2
4 Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines 28 20 8 3
5 Quezon Huskers 28 19 9 4
6 Muntinlupa Cagers 28 16 12 7
7 Imus SV Squad 28 15 13 8
8 Iloilo United Royals 28 12 16 11
9 Bacolod City of Smiles 28 11[a] 17 12
10 Sarangani Marlins 28 11[a] 17 12
11 Negros Muscovados 28 10 18 13
12 Mindoro Disiplinados 28 6 22 17
13 Laguna Krah Asia 27 4 23 18.5
14 Bicol Volcanoes 28 1 27 22
Source: Standings
Notes:
  1. ^ a b Bacolod wins tiebreaker over Sarangani based on head-to-head victory.
Defeated 8th-seeded Marikina Shoemasters, 2–0 First Round Defeated 8th-seeded Iloilo United Royals, 2–1
Defeated 4th-seeded Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 2–0 Division Semifinals Defeated 4th-seeded Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines, 2–0
Defeated 6th-seeded San Juan Knights, 2–0 Division Finals Defeated 2nd-seeded Batangas City Embassy Chill, 2–0

Head-to-head matchup

July 22
06:00 pm
Pampanga Giant Lanterns 78–70 Bacoor City Strikers
Scoring by quarter: 24–12, 20–26, 15–16, 19–16
Pts: Encho Serrano 18
Rebs: Justine Baltazar 18
Asts: John Bryle Bahio 5
Pts: Jhan Nermal 19
Rebs: Jhan Nermal 9
Asts: Aaron Jeruta 4
Laguna Sports Complex,
Santa Cruz, Laguna

Series summary

Game Date Away team Result Home team Venue
1 November 25 Bacoor City Strikers 58–71
(0–1)
Pampanga Giant Lanterns Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center
2 November 28 Bacoor City Strikers 65–68
(0–2)
Pampanga Giant Lanterns Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center
3 December 2 Pampanga Giant Lanterns 82–77
(3–0)
Bacoor City Strikers Strike Gymnasium
(*) if necessary

Game summaries

Game 1

November 25
07:00 pm
Pampanga Giant Lanterns 71–58 Bacoor City Strikers
Scoring by quarter: 21–7, 17–21, 15–9, 18–21
Pts: Kurt Reyson 21
Rebs: Justine Baltazar 16
Asts: Justine Baltazar 6
Pts: Jhaymo Eguilos, Jhan Nermal 16
Rebs: Mark Yee 8
Asts: three players 2
Pampanga leads series, 1–0
Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, San Fernando, Pampanga
Referees: J. Sarife, J. Castroverde, R. Brila,

After his stint with the Letran Knights during NCAA Season 99, Kurt Reyson made his return to the Pampanga Giant Lanterns roster. Coming off the bench, Reyson became the Player of the Game as he scored 22 points on 75% shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Justine Baltazar led the rebound and assist statistics with 16 and 6 respectively to go alongside his 13 points. Encho Serrano only scored five points after shooting 2-for-11.

In the losing effort, both Jhaymo Eguilos and Jhan Nermal scored 16 points for the Bacoor City Strikers. James Kwekuteye only scored two points, only making one of his twelve shot attempts.[5]

Game 2

November 28
07:00 pm
Pampanga Giant Lanterns 68–65 Bacoor City Strikers
Scoring by quarter: 14–12, 19–17, 17–20, 18–16
Pts: Justine Baltazar, Archie Concepcion 13
Rebs: Justine Baltazar 12
Asts: Justine Baltazar 6
Pts: James Kwekuteye 16
Rebs: Jhaymo Eguilos 9
Asts: Aaron Jeruta 4
Pampanga leads series, 2–0

In a game that went back-and-forth during the second half, former Homegrown Player of the Year Archie Concepcion scored 13 points and 8 rebounds to become the Player of the Game. The newly-crowned MVP in Baltazar recorded another double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds on top of six assists. Serrano, despite a 25% field goal percentage, still scored eight points for Pampanga.

After a dismal performance in game 1, Kwekuteye scored 16 points on 5-for-11 three-point shooting. Both Chito Jaime and Yvan Ludovice also scored double-digits for Bacoor City with 12 and 11, respectively.

Following a steal by Kwekuteye, Bacoor City held the final possession of the game with the Strikers down by just three points. Kwekuteye missed a three-point attempt but was rebounded by Jhan Nermal. The ball ended up in the hands of Mark Yee, but unfortunately, Yee cannot get the ball off before the shot clock expired, giving the Pampanga Giant Lanterns the win and putting them one game away from their first MPBL title as the series shifts to the Marching Band Capital.[6]

Game 3

December 2
07:00 pm
Bacoor City Strikers 77–82 Pampanga Giant Lanterns
Scoring by quarter: 20–20, 11–11, 22–17, 24–34
Pts: Jhan Nermal 20
Rebs: Mark Yee 10
Asts: Yvan Ludovice, Michael Cañete 4
Pts: Encho Serrano 24
Rebs: Justine Baltazar 19
Asts: three players 5
Pampanga wins series, 3–0
Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor, Cavite

Rosters

NOTE: Only players who played at least one playoff game for the team during the season is included.
2023 Pampanga Giant Lanterns roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
G 2 Philippines Concepcion, Archie (HG) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Arellano
G 3 Philippines Gania, CJ (HG) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) DHVSU
F 4 Philippines Santos, Kevin Kyle (SGL) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) Letran
F 6 Philippines Sangalang, Louie 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) Letran
F 7 Philippines Bahio, JB 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) San Beda
G 8 Philippines Tolentino, Neil (HG) 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) Arellano
G 9 Philippines Sampang, Karl (HG) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Holy Angel
G 11 Philippines Garcia, Michael Jeffrey (HG) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) SPCF
G 13 Philippines Reyson, Kurt (SGL) 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Letran
F 14 Philippines Apolonio, Jayson 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) DMMMSU
G 18 Philippines Serrano, Encho (EP, HG) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 176 lb (80 kg) 1999–09–18 De La Salle
F 19 Philippines Baltazar, Justine (HG) 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1997–02–19 De La Salle
C 22 Philippines Santos, Ronan (HG) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) Arellano
C 25 Philippines De Leon, Matt (HG) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) Arellano
F 29 Philippines Santos, Arwind (EP, HG) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1981–06–10 Far Eastern
G 30 Philippines Binuya, Raymond (C, HG) 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) San Sebastian
F 34 Philippines Maynes, Mitchelle 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
F 43 Philippines Liwag, Allen (SGL) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) St. Benilde
G 77 Philippines Clemente, John Loyd (HG) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) National-U
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Philippines Hupmerdink Dimatulac

Legend
  • (HG) Homegrown
  • (FF) Filipino-foreigner
  • (SGL) Special Guest Licensee
  • (RS) Reserve player
  • Injured Injured
2023 Bacoor City Strikers roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
G/F 1 Philippines Villoria, Kraniel 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 1995–07–14 Arellano
F 3 Philippines Cañete, Michael 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 1993–08–14 Arellano
F 6 Philippines Reyes, Lester 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) SJIT
C 8 Philippines Eguilos, Jhaymo 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1986–08–27 Far Eastern
G 9 Philippines Jeruta, Aaron 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 1994–10–16 Centro Escolar
C 10 Philippines Montuaño, Mark Informatics
G 12 Philippines Acuña, Eric 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Informatics
G 14 Philippines Galit, Salvador 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Philippine Christian
G 15 Philippines Kwekuteye, James 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) San Beda
G 16 Philippines Ludovice, Yvan 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) San Beda
G 17 Philippines Alday, Alwyn 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 1990–04–18 La Consolacion
C 19 Philippines Lopez, John Derico 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) José Rizal
G 20 Philippines Lee Yu, Joel 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 155 lb (70 kg) 1994–08–20 Far Eastern
G 24 Philippines Pasturan, Jimboy (SGL) St. Benilde
F 28 Philippines Jaime, Chito 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1983–10–21 AMA
F 29 Philippines Nermal, Jhan 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) STI Negros
F 52 Philippines Yee, Mark (EP) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1982–01–04 San Sebastian Cavite
G 77 Philippines Acidre, Rocky 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Arellano
F 81 Philippines Jamito, Jammer 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1990–09–01 St. Clare
Head coach
  • Philippines Alexander Angeles
Assistant coach(es)
  • Philippines Rosser Benjamin Mangahas
  • Philippines Rey Mendez
  • Philippines Marlou Aquino
  • Philippines Marlo Corpin
  • Philippines BJ Aganus (consultant)
Team manager
  • Philippines Dennis Abella

Legend
  • (HG) Homegrown
  • (FF) Filipino-foreigner
  • (SGL) Special Guest Licensee
  • (RS) Reserve player
  • Injured Injured

Broadcast notes

This will mark the second time Cignal TV broadcasts the MPBL Finals. The game will be broadcast on One PH as well as on Media Pilipinas TV (MPTV) on television. The games will also be streamed on Pilipinas Live, Bola.TV, and on the MPBL's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Game Media Pilipinas TV and One PH
Play-by-play Analyst Courtside reporters
1 Migs Gomez Jayvee Gayoso Andrea Endicio and Mica Abesamis
2 Cedelf Tupas Javi Palana Sydney Crespo and Mica Abesamis
3 Cedelf Tupas Louie Gonzalez Andrea Endicio, Sydney Crespo and Mica Abesamis

Notes

References

  1. ^ a b "Bacoor Strikers finish off Batangas, earn shot at Pampanga in MPBL Finals". Spin.ph. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  2. ^ Ulanday, John Bryan. "Pampanga, San Juan in North final". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  3. ^ "Pampanga nips San Juan to seize MPBL North Division title". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  4. ^ "MPBL: Batangas ousts GenSan, sets up rematch with Bacoor in South finals". Spin.ph. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "Reyson returns with a bang as Pampanga draws first blood vs Bacoor". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  6. ^ "Justine Baltazar runaway MVP, Pampanga closes in on MPBL title". RAPPLER. November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.