By Justin Valencia
HOME team San Juan stretched its winning run to four games after overcoming a lethargic start against Bulacan, 90-88, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup late Monday night at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
John Wilson topscored for the Knights with 24 points, 13 coming in the pivotal fourth frame, while Clarito added 15 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
On the other hand, Jhonard Clarito's game-winning block against JR Alabanza's reverse layup iced the game for the defending champions, who improved to a league-best 14-1 win-loss card and remained unbeaten at home, 8-0.
"Obviously, Bulacan is ready, lahat na-match up nila, buti na lang naka-convert kami nung last six minutes... buti na lang na-shoot ang mga three-points and foul shots ni John (Wilson)," said Knights coach Randy Alcantara.
Trailing 69-71 early in the fourth quarter, San Juan launched a furious 15-5 blitz capped bu Wilson's fastbreak layup with 3:06 left, 84-76.
With the Kuyas leading 46-38 heading into the third period, San Juan fired 10 unanswered points topped by back-to-back jumpers by Mike Ayonayon to snatch the lead at the 7:27 mark, 48-46.
Larry Rodriguez and Ayonayon added 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Knights while Andoy Estrella added 13.
Bulacan, which was led by Gwyne Capacio's 18 markers, saw its four-game winning streak stopped and slipped to 9-6.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
