San Juan flaunted its depth and power once again and romped to a 95-65 drubbing of Mindoro on Tuesday to grab the solo lead in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
All but one of the 13 Knights fielded by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada scored as the Knights secured their seventh straight win in as many starts with a 93-60 spread late in the fourth quarter.
San Juan, the MPBL Datu Cup champion, overtook the 6-0 slates of Nueva Ecija, Quezon and Binan.
In the opener, Caloocan trounced Bicolandia, 98-86, while wewcomer Abra finally displayed its potential with a 94-68 demolition of Manila SV Batang Sampaloc in the nightcap.
Greg Slaughter was again in Manila’s submitted roster but did not play to the disappointment of the crowd. He came into the in civ.ilian clothes.
A source said Slaughter needed two more practice sessions to familiarize with the system of the team.
Michael Calisaan paced a balanced San Juan offense with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by Marwin Taywan with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
Top Gun Orlan Wamar and Nikko Panganiban contributed 11 points each for the Knights, who dominated the shaded lane, 59-38, to produce 52 points against 30 for Mindoro, which slipped to 3-6.
John Lloyd Clemente sparked Abra’s onslaught with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, while Felipe Chavez, Mark Tallo, Michael Canete and Jeepy Faundo provided additional fuel for the Weavers, who rebounded from a shock 76-80 loss to Mindoro on May 15.
The Manila Stars fell to 5-4 as only Shawn Umali with 16 points, and Rabeh Al-Hussaini with 14 clicked offensively.
