SAN Juan shared the lead, Pampanga extended its hot streak, while South Cotabato gained traction on Monday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The San Juan Knights sped away in the third quarter and proceeded to beat the Negros Muscovados, 85-64, for their eighth straight win that pushed them on top with the Quezon Huskers in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Defending champion Pampanga, on the other hand, turned a projected tight fight into a 77-59 drubbing of Paranaque in the nightcap, improving its record to 8-1.
In the opener, the South Cotabato Warriors trounced the Bicolandia Oragons, 82-68, and gained ground with a 7-3 record.
Held to a 37-30 count at the break, the Knights turned hot in the second half and led by as far as 81-57 in pulling down the Muscovados to 4-6.
Michael Calisaan paced a balanced San Juan attack with 12 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Dexter Maiquez with 11 points and 7 rebounds and Orlan Wamar with 11 points and 3 rebounds.
San Juan coach Sen. Jinggoy Estrada fielded 15 players, only one of whom failed to score.
Pampanga allowed Paranaque to score the first basket before piling 10 points and proceeding to pull down the Patriots to 7-3.
Rence Alcoriza topped Pampanga’s scorers with 15 points, followed by Archie Concepcion with 13 and MJ Garcia with 12. Reigning MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar settled for 11 points but snagged 16 rebounds and issued 4 assists.
