Gerry Abadiano knocked down two clutch free throws with 10.99 seconds remaining to lift the San Juan Knights to an 81-79 victory over the Gensan Warriors, earning them a share of the top spot in the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Season on Friday at the STRIKE Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.
Abadiano’s game-winning free throws capped a comeback fueled by Reyland Torres, who scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter. The Knights broke the final deadlock at 79 after Gensan’s Mark Cruz tied the game on a driving layup with 29.6 seconds left.
The victory improved San Juan’s record to 13-1, tying defending champion Abra Solid North atop the North Division standings. The Knights and Weavers lead the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (14-2) and the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, who improved to 11-6 after edging the Bataan Risers, 80-76, in the second game.
Torres finished with 13 points and four rebounds to earn Best Player of the Game honors, edging teammates Dexter Maiquez, who posted 16 points and nine rebounds, and Michael Calisaan, who added 12 points and four rebounds.
“I challenged myself to do well,” said Torres, a former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon like Abadiano. “We were able to overcome the physicality of Gensan.”
Abadiano, who is set to play in the Korean Basketball League, contributed nine points, two rebounds, and two assists. Orlan Wamar added nine points, seven assists, and four rebounds as the Knights prevailed despite missing Michael Phillips, who recently suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers against New Zealand and Australia.
Gensan had two opportunities to steal the win in the closing seconds, but both Cruz and Val Acuña missed three-point attempts as the Warriors slipped to 14-3. They dropped from solo first to a share of third place in the South Division behind Batangas (13-2) and Quezon Province (10-2), tying Cebu, which routed Bacolod, 97-67, in the opening game.
Cruz paced Gensan with 13 points, while Anton Eusebio and Joshua Fontanilla added 12 points apiece.
In the second game, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys held off the Bataan Risers, 80-76.
With Bataan closing the gap to 77-76 after trailing by as many as 11 points, Robby Celiz sealed the victory by sinking three free throws in the closing moments.
Celiz finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, complementing Arth Dela Cruz’s double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, along with three assists. Jayboy Solis chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, and two blocks.
The Risers, who fell to 6-10, were led by Carl Bringas and Yves Sazon with 11 points each, while Chris Javier and Alfred Flores added 10 points apiece.
In the opener, Cebu pulled away in the second quarter behind the hot shooting of returning guard Jun Manzo and Limuel Tampus, who scored nine and eight points, respectively, to give the Greats a 46-33 halftime lead.
Mark Meneses and Tampus took control in the second half as Cebu stretched the margin to 95-60 after Tampus buried a three-pointer with 5:11 remaining.
Meneses finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Tampus earned Best Player of the Game honors with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
Playing in his first game back with the Greats after a lengthy absence, Manzo contributed 13 points and two rebounds, while Ron Dennison added 10 points.
The 6-foot-1 Tampus, nicknamed “Boomboom” for his explosiveness and highlight-reel dunks, credited his teammates for helping him quickly adjust to Cebu’s system.
Bacolod, which dropped to 3-16, was led by Fil-Am Desmond Price with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Rafael Go added 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Marjun Wahing scored 12 points and Ram Mesqueriola contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
The tournament resumes on Saturday at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra. Quezon City takes on Quezon Province at 3 p.m., followed by Abra Solid North against Rizal XentroMall at 6 p.m. The Abra Weavers will also receive their championship rings for winning the 2025 MPBL title in a ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m.
