SAN JUAN kicked off its 2026 MPBL Season 8 campaign in dominant fashion, dismantling Pasay, 90-61, on opening night at the Caloocan Sports Complex on Friday.
In a rematch of last season’s quarterfinals - where the Knights eliminated the Voyagers- the Knights picked up right where they left off.
Pasay showed early promise behind its NU Bulldogs core in the starting five, with Gelo Santiago and Mark Parks sparking an 8-6 start.
But San Juan quickly flipped the script.
The Knights unleashed a blistering 20-0 run, fueled by Gerry Abadiano’s hot shooting, to seize full control of the game.
From there, it was all San Juan, which answered every Pasay attempt at a comeback en route to the blowout win.
Abadiano led the charge with 14 points, two rebounds, and one assist, while Dexter Maiquez added 11 markers, three boards, a block, and a steal.
“Masaya ako na maayos na team yung napuntahan ko. Tiwala lang ako sa ginagawa namin, kaya sa akin lang hindi lang dapat mag-relax talaga,” Abadiano told SPIN.ph.
San Juan’s campaign opener was bannered by University of the Philippines’ “Maroon 4” - Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres - who suited up alongside former college rival Mike Philips, though the latter was sidelined due to jet lag.
“Malaking tulong [Maroon 4], kumbaga parang amuyan lang or tinginan lang, alam niyo na yung ginagawa,” Abadiano added.
Michael Calisaan and Orlan Wamar chipped in 10 points apiece, while Torres and James Kwekuteye contributed nine each to round out the balanced attack.
On the other side, Pasay struggled to find its rhythm, with no player reaching double figures.
Nico Quinal wound up nine points, while Cyril Gonzales and Darrell Manliguez finished with eight and seven, respectively.
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