ROAD TO DIVISION FINALS. The San Juan Knights are heading to the MPBL Northern Division Finals. The Knights beat Pampanga Giant Lanterns anew, 91-83, in Game 2 to win their best-of-three North semifinal series at the San Andres Sports Complex on Wednesday (March 4, 2020) night. (Photo courtesy of MPBL)
MANILA — San Juan Knights earned a place in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Northern Division Finals after edging Pampanga Giant Lanterns, 91-83, in Game 2 of their North semifinal series at the San Andres Sports Complex here on Wednesday night.
The Knights, who barely escaped from the Giant Lanterns in Game 1 on Saturday night on a game-winning floater from Mike Ayonayon, turned the tides in the third quarter of Game 2, holding their opponents to just 14 points before keeping them from pulling off a comeback in the end.
"Yung experience namin last year, dala dala namin 'yung experience na 'yun dito lalo 'yung composure namin (We brought along our experience and composure last year) heading into the end game," said John Wilson, who led San Juan with 26 points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
Jhonard Clarito added 14 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, and one block off the bench.
However, the team will have to wait a bit longer before getting back into action as Makati Skyscrapers tied its own North semis series against Manila Stars with a 75-59 shock blowout.
The Skyscrapers held the Stars to just eight points in the first quarter.
Despite Manila crawling back in the second half, Makati broke loose again late in the fourth quarter to secure the rout.
Josh Torralba led the Skyscrapers with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 5-of-8 on triples, three rebounds, one steal, and two blocks.
Jong Baloria added 15 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block.
Mark Dyke and Marvin Hayes each scored 11 points for the Stars.
Game 3 between Makati and Manila is set on Friday night back at the San Andres Sports Complex. (PNA)
