MANILA, Philippines — The San Juan Knights hit high gear in the second half and proceeded to rout the Negros Hacienderos, 120-96, on Tuesday and rebound in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal Province.
Held to a 54-48 lead, the Knights poured in 33 points each in the third and fourth quarters to secure their 15th win against two losses, the last against the Quezon Huskers (71-78) on July 30, in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 26-team tournament.
AC Soberano shone for San Juan with 22 points, spiked by six triples. 3 rebounds and 2 assists, and was chosen the SportsPlus best player over Mike Calisaan with 17 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists.
"That loss (against Quezon) was painful for us," said Soberano. "We made adjustments, and it worked."
Veteran Rey Hugnatan supported with 12 points and 5 rebounds, and so did Patrick Sleat with 10 points, including the Knights' last eight, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
Soberano said they (Knights) need to step up following the departure of key players Michael Phillips bound for the Japan B. League, and Gerry Abadiano, bound for the Korean Basketball League.
Powered by Flever Dignadice and DJ Howe, Negros led, 25-22, before San Juan took control at the half, 54-48, behind the efforts of Soberano and Calisaan.
Negros tumbled to 1-17, the worst in the South division, despite DJ Howe's 22 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds, and Michael Alvarez's 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Dignadice finished with 11 points and Lorenz Vajar 11.
The tournament returns to the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday, featuring games between Bulacan and Pasig at 3 p.m., Bataan and Abra at 5 p.m., and Paranaque and Basilan at 7 p.m. TMT
