Knights rout Tigers, take 1-0 lead in MPBL finals

Davao—San Juan invaded Davao like a conqueror and its Knights were able to run roughshod over the Tigers, 84-74, to take the head start in the MPBL Datu Cup National Finals at the Almendras Gym here late Thursday night.

The Knights banked on their torrid shooting all game long to torch the home team, shooting 52 percent from the field. In the first half alone, they had a steady 63-percent shooting, including a 72-percent clip from the two-point region.

They’re form from beyond the arc was also high in the first 20 minutes of play, making four-of-10 shots. It was the highest field-goal percentage by a visiting team this season.

After 20 minutes, three players already tallied double-digit outputs, with Mac Cardona and Mike Ayonayon scoring 11 apiece and John Wilson producing 10.

Despite repeated uprisings of the Tigers, the Knights were able to hold on as Wilson knocked in nine of his 21 points in the third period to keep their rivals at bay.

“We were able to shoot well because we played good defense. Nag-concentrate kami sa mga key players nila, ‘yung ex-pros, si (Eman) Calo. I have to give credit to the players namin— gamit man or reserves. Nagtrabaho talaga sila ng husto,” said San Juan coach Randy Alcantara.

San Juan’s win allowed the squad to take away the home-court advantage of Davao Occidental. The Knights will play the host Tigers on Saturday at the more spacious Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium here where they gun for a commanding 2-0 lead.

More importantly, the Knights put themselves in a better position to win the series at home as Games 3 and 4 will be held at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Davao Occidental needs to win at home on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial College at 3:30 p.m. to at least get a chance of playing back at its home court once the series reaches Game 5.

 San Juan’s bench production had 41 points, 20 more than its rivals.