San Juan-DN Steel is on the verge of securing an outright semifinals spot after edging a Tantoy Ferrer-less Discovery-Rizal, 63-58, in a crucial showdown of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari, Sunday at the Ynares Center Montalban.
The Lady Knights relied on a dominant performance from veteran gunner Janine Pontejos to notch their fourth straight victory, boosting their league-best record to 7-2 in a tournament backed by Uratex, Black Mamba, Red Dynasty, Aktive Balls, and Pocari Sweat.
Pontejos erupted for 23 points, including three triples, while also contributing four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, helping San Juan-DN Steel end Perlas’ five-game winning streak — avenging their 59-81 defeat in the first round.
(C) WMPBL
“Kailangan namin ‘tong game na ‘to. Lalo na dikit sa standings, at para maka-bounce back na kami lalo na tinalo kami ng Discovery [nung first round],” said Lady Knights head coach Ai Lebornio.
“Sobrang saya sa effort ng mga players kasi hindi kami nagpahinga eh. Sabi ko sa kanila, pagbigyan nila kami, pagbigyan nila kami ng management para mas makuha namin at mas makapaghanda kami ngayon,” she added.
With a slim 59-58 lead and under two minutes remaining, San Juan-DN Steel tightened defensively, shutting down Discovery-Perlas in the final 1:46. Chack Cabinbin, Pontejos, and Dianne Pedregosa delivered clutch baskets to seal the win.
Hazel Panti added 10 points and four rebounds, while Pedregosa chipped in nine points and six boards. Stefhanie Ventura contributed eight markers, nine rebounds, and five steals in the crucial victory for the Lady Knights.
San Juan-DN Steel will aim to secure a top-two finish when they face Tagaytay-Tol on October 5 in Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, Perlas slid to 5-3, dropping to third place.
(C) WMPBL
Tacky Tacatac shone as the lone bright spot for Discovery-Rizal, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in Ferrer’s absence due to illness.
Raiza Palmera-Dy added 11 points on a rough 3-of-11 shooting, but still managed nine assists, eight rebounds, and six steals, while Allana Lim struggled with eight points and eight turnovers despite hauling down 14 boards.
Discovery-Rizal will look to strengthen its bid for an automatic semifinals slot against New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas on October 5.
The Scores:
San Juan-DN Steel 63 – Pontejos 23, Panti 10, Pedregosa 9, Ventura 8, Canuto 5, Talas 5, Cabinbin 3, Junsay 0, Paras 0, Adlawan 0, Tolentino 0
Discovery-Rizal 58 – Tacatac 18, Palmera-Dy 11, Lim 9, Anies 8, Sison 5, Sambile 4, Galicia 3, Capilit 0, Felisarta 0, Candelario 0
Quarterscores: 20-13, 24-25, 43-43, 63-58
