The Pampanga Delta defeated the La Union PAOwer, 82-73, in Game 3 last Monday to grab the lead in the National Basketball League Season 3 Black Arrow Express-President’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
The Delta led by as many as 19 points as they grabbed a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five championship series being held inside the NBL’s bubble in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Michael Juico led Pampanga in scoring with 26 points, but it was Levi Hernandez who took charge in the first half as he finished with 16 points for the Delta coached by Pampanga governor Dennis Pineda.
Hernandez already had 14 in the first half as the Delta held a 47-34 lead, before Juico made 13 in the second half to cap off the dominating victory.
Game 4 is scheduled on Wednesday, 6 p.m. at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center where the Delta will look to finish off the PAOwer.
Roman Gatchallan had 23 points including four triples for La Union but was unable to respond from a 12-0 run by Pampanga in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, CJ Gania of the Delta was named as the Season 3 Pinakamahusay na Manlalarong Homegrown (Most Valuable Player).
Gania is also part of the Limang Mahusay na Manlalarong Homegrown ng Season 3 (Mythical Five) along with Jonathan Del Rosario of CamSur, Salvador Galit of Parañaque, Mitchelle Maynes of La Union, and Encho Serrano of Pampanga.
Jayson Apolonio of La Union was adjudged as the Defensive Player of the Season, and Erven Silverie of La Union was given with the Huwarang Homegrown Player plum.
