La Union and Pampanga beat their semifinal opponents in Game 1 last Saturday to move closer to a seat in the Chooks-to-Go National Basketball League-Pilipinas (NBL) Chairman’s Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The PAOwer beat the Muntinlupa Water Warriors, 102-86, and the Delta won over Taguig Generals, 108-102, in the nightcap to open their respective series on a winning note.
Jonathan Ablao sizzled from rainbow country, scoring 21 points and shot 4-of-9 from three-point range to lead La Union to the win.
The PAOwer also led from start to finish and even grabbed a 25-point lead in the series opener.
Levi Hernandez and Encho Serrano scored 24 points apiece and the Delta came back from a 17-point deficit to win Game 1.
La Union and Pampanga can wrap up the best-of-three semifinal series with a win on Sunday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
Biboy Enguio scored 15 points for Muntinlupa but his team fell behind early, 35-13, at the end of the first quarter.
Taguig lost despite a late charge in an attempt to come back from a 15-point deficit. Fidel Castro scored 23 points for the Generals as they look to avoid elimination in Game 2.
Games Sunday
(Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center)
4 p.m. – Pampanga vs. Taguig
6 p.m. – Muntinlupa vs. La Union
