Encho Serrano was solid in his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League debut as the Pampanga Giant Lanterns defeated Pasig City, 81-66, on late Thursday evening at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Serrano, who surprisingly nixed a contract extension with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the PBA to play in the MPBL, tallied 15 points, six assists, four steals, and three rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
Justine Baltazar chipped in a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Delta Pineda-mentored Giant Lanterns remained on top of the standings with a 13-0 record.
Allen Liwag and John Lloyd Clemente, also newcomers for Pampanga, finished with eight points, seven rebounds, and six rebounds, respectively.
Pasig, which trailed by as much as 51-76 in the contest, skidded to 9-6 despite the 17 points it got from Ryan Paule Costelo and 13 from Robbie Manalang.
In other games, the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo wasted an 18-point spread, but recovered in time to subdue the Manila Stars, 79-75, while the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers extended the woes of the Bicol Volcanoes, 82-78. (AC)
Encho Serrano’s direct signing with Converge in PBA not possible after stint with Pampanga
