ROSARIO, Batangas – San Juan remained unbeaten after handing New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas its first loss of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari, eking out a 74-71 victory on Sunday evening at the Rosario Cultural and Sports Center here.
With main scorer Janine Pontejos hampered by foul trouble and eventually fouling out in the clutch, Maimai Canuto rose to the occasion.
The product of National University dropped 19 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting clip, while also contributing five steals, four rebounds, four assists, and a block.
Her performance powered the Lady Knights to a perfect 3-0 record in this tournament supported by Uratex, Black Mamba, Red Dynasty, Aktive Balls, and Pocari Sweat.
“Knowing Maimai naman, player ko na siya before sa Galeries, champion talaga yang bata na ‘yan, may puso ng champion mula pa sa UAAP with NU. Huwag niya dapat bitawan yung chance, yon sabi ko and nagpay off yon para sa amin and para sakanya,” said San Juan head coach Ai Lebornio.
(C) WMPBL
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas held a slim 60-56 lead early in the fourth following a layup by Queenie Aquino.
However, Canuto, Pontejos, and Chack Cabinbin ignited a crucial 9-0 run, turning the tide in San Juan’s favor for a 65-60 lead with just 4:13 remaining.
The Valkyries responded and briefly reclaimed a 66-65 advantage, but Canuto came up clutch, hitting a pull-up jumper and a strong layup to give San Juan a 71-68 edge with only 39 seconds left on the clock.
With the game tied after a late triple by Tin Bariquit, Rejoice Adlawan stepped up and knocked down the go-ahead midrange jumper.
Canuto then iced the contest with a dagger free throw, preserving the Lady Knights’ unblemished record through three games.
“Yung sacrifices talaga ng mga bata, nag-pay off. Kahit nung umuulan, yung gusto nila mag-ensayo, nagsa-sakripisyo talaga yung mga bata. Yung togetherness ng team, yung teamwork, lumabas na lagi namin sinasabi sa kanila na dapat nila ipakita,” added Lebornio, highlighting her team’s commitment and cohesion.
Despite early foul trouble, Pontejos impressed in front of her home crowd, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, and a steal.
Adlawan also shone with 12 points on a highly efficient 5-of-6 shooting, alongside seven boards and an assist.
Sthefani Ventura added a spark off the bench with 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting, while also tallying four steals, three rebounds, one assist, and one block.
San Juan will look to extend their winning streak when they take on the surging Solar Home-Pangasinan Suns on August 10 at the Ynares Gym in Montalban.
Meanwhile, after cruising through their first three matches, the Valkyries were dealt a reality check, falling to 3-1 in the standings.
(C) WMPBL
Snow Peñaranda led Bluefire-Batangas with a perfect 5-of-5 shooting performance for 12 points, along with 10 rebounds, two steals, and two assists.
Afril Bernardino also registered a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, adding three assists, two steals, and a block.
Pringle Fabruada contributed 10 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals in the losing effort.
The Valkyries aim to bounce back when they face the Suns on Sunday, August 17, in Tagaytay.
The Scores:
San Juan 74 – Canuto 19, Pontejos 12, Adlawan 12, Ventura 11, Cabinbin 8, Talas 5, Panti 5, Tolentino 1, Pedregosa 1, Paras 0.
New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas 71 – Penaranda 12, Bernardino 11, Fabruada 10, Castillo 7, Bariquit 7, Aquino 5, Claro 5, Manzanares 4, Lozada 4, Calang 2, Torres 2, Tongco 2, Sanchez 0, Arciga 0.
Quarterscores: 15-13, 39-32, 52-56, 74-71.
