San Juan finished off Quezon City with a 106-81 drubbing on Thursday night to move into the championship round of the MPBL Datu Cup North Division.
In front of their hometown crowd, the Big J Sports-backed Knights drew the firepower needed from veterans Mac Cardona and John Wilson in ushering the Black Mamba-supported Capitals to the exit door.
San Juan swept its rival in the best-of-three semifinals series and is now awaiting the winner of the Bataan-Manila do-or-die showdown on Monday night.
Manila kept its hopes alive by outlasting Bataan, 80-76, in the other game as its defense worked double time to frustrate the Zetapro-sponsored Risers an outright entry to the division finals of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
The Stars played aggressive on defense right from the get-go as Chris Bitoon, Mark Lopez and the other guards put the pressure on Bataan’s ball carriers. Manila picked up six steals and forces its rivals to commit 17 turnovers, resulting to 17 turnover points.
Aris Dionisio led the way with 23 points, with 15 of them coming in the second half.
