San Juan-DN Steel avenged its first-round loss to Pangasinan-Solar Home with a convincing 72-60 victory, seizing solo first place in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari on Wednesday at Montano Hall in Cavite City.
The Lady Knights, who previously fell to the Suns in an 83-86 overtime thriller, drew a huge boost from the returning Maymay Canuto. Her stellar performance powered San Juan-DN Steel to break away from a three-way tie with New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas and Discovery-Rizal, improving their record to 6-2.
Back from her duties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Canuto erupted for a career-high 21 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting clip, while also tallying seven rebounds and three assists.
Her all-around effort anchored the Lady Knights’ third straight win in the tournament supported by Uratex, Black Mamba, Red Dynasty, Aktive Balls, and Pocari Sweat.
(C) WMPBL
“Yun naman ang ine-expect namin palagi kay Maymay. Sinasabi ko naman lagi sa kanya na every game, alam ko kung anong ibibigay niya sa’kin, so I’m happy kasi every game may improvement si Maymay,” said Lady Knights head coach Ai Lebornio.
San Juan-DN Steel established a 10-point halftime cushion, 40-30, and never relinquished control as Pangasinan-Solar Home struggled to find its rhythm. The Lady Knights showcased poise on both ends of the floor, answering every Suns rally with crisp execution and stifling defense.
Janine Pontejos chipped in 14 points and four steals, while Stefhanie Ventura nearly posted a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Chack Cabinbin contributed across the board with nine points, five assists, five rebounds, and four steals, while Dianne Pedregosa added seven markers and nine boards.
San Juan-DN Steel now looks to extend its momentum against Discovery-Rizal on Sunday at 8:00 PM at the Ynares Montalban Arena, as they aim to strengthen their grip on the standings and move closer to a top-two finish.
(C) WMPBL
Meanwhile, Pangasinan-Solar Home’s woes continued as they absorbed their fourth consecutive defeat, slipping to 3-5 and staying in fifth place in the six-team tournament.
Hazelle Yam shone for the Suns with 22 points and six rebounds, while Ara Abaca notched a double-double of 17 points and 10 boards. Gabi Bade was limited to nine points on a rough 2-of-11 shooting but contributed 15 rebounds and eight assists.
The Suns also sorely missed the services of Lee Sario (academics) and Betts Binaohan (knee chondral damage).
Pangasinan-Solar Home will attempt to snap its skid when it faces New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas on September 28, 8:00 PM at the Batangas City Coliseum.
The Scores:
San Juan-DN Steel 72 – Canuto 21, Pontejos 14, Ventura 11, Cabinbin 9, Pedregosa 7, Talas 3, Panti 3, Tolentino 2, Mendaros 2, Junsay 0, Paras 0, Adlawan 0
Pangasinan-Solar Home 60 – Yam 22, Abaca 17, Bade 9, Larrosa 3, Ordoveza 3, Rodas 3, Cortizano 2, Miranda 1, Gonzales 0
Quarterscores: 23-16, 40-30, 52-42, 72-60
