NEW PSL 21U KINGS. Pampanga Delta players bask in the limelight during a photo opportunity after ruling the PSL 21U Battle of Champions on Monday night (Sept. 5, 2022). Pampanga defeated Consolacion, 76-71. (Photo courtesy of PSL)
MANILA – Pampanga reigned supreme in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) 21U after beating Consolacion, 76-71, in the final of the "Battle of Champions" on Monday night at the Cebu City Sports Institute.
Despite some sort of a homecourt disadvantage against their Cebuano opponents, the Delta showed their might especially down the stretch to edge the Sarok Weavers.
The Delta stole the thunder from the Sarok Weavers in the final 2:02 of the game as Justin Bautista led the former's game-turning 7-0 run to take the lead for good.
Bautista completed a three-point play and made the dagger layup to give Pampanga a 75-69 lead with 1:06 to play in the game.
Matthew Flores made a jumper in Consolacion's next play, but it turned out to be the Cebuano squad's last gasp.
Bautista finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals for Pampanga en route to winning the Most Valuable Player award for the national finals, which also saw Davao Occidental in action.
Miclat and Kevin Santos each added 12 points with Santos also grabbing 13 rebounds for the double-double.
This is the third championship of the Governor Delta Pineda-owned squad in a regional league this year as its professional team and 18-and-under team also won titles in the National Basketball League last June.
Froiland Maglasang tallied 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Rovello Robles added 12 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and two steals for Consolacion, which failed to complete a 4-0 sweep of the tournament as Pampanga avenged its 57-63 loss on Saturday night in the round-robin phase. (PNA)
