San Juan’s cannons boomed as Caloocan’s guns misfired for over five minutes, propelling the Knights to a 75-65 home victory on Saturday in the semifinal round of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The game was a back-and-forth battle until Nikko Panganiban and Marwin Taywan teamed up for a decisive 15-point run, shifting the momentum to San Juan with a score of 59-46.
This victory placed the Knights alongside Pampanga, which earlier defeated Nueva Ecija, 76-73, in another semifinal match.
The Knights and the Giant Lanterns now have a chance to set up a North Division title clash, with both teams looking to secure their place in the finals when they meet again on Wednesday, October 30, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Leading 46-44 after three quarters, Nueva Ecija struggled offensively, missing six consecutive three-point attempts.
Gabby Espinas finally broke the drought with a free throw, bringing the score to 47-59 with just 4 minutes and 45 seconds left in the game.
In a fourth-quarter surge, Panganiban scored all of his six points, Taywan contributed seven—including two three-pointers from his total of eight—and Mike Malonzo added two points.
This flurry allowed the Knights, coached by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, to avenge their earlier 78-79 defeat to the Batang Kankaloo in the elimination round.
Michael Calisaan led San Juan with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Dexter Maiquez added 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Orlan Wamar also contributed 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
With this victory, San Juan remains on track to reclaim the MPBL crown they last won in 2019.
Taywan was recognized as the Daily Fantasy best player for stepping up when it mattered most.
