San Juan secured its place as the first semifinalist of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season, defeating Rizal Xentromall 82-70 on Saturday in front of a packed crowd at Paco Arena in Manila.
The Knights had previously overcome the Golden Coolers, 79-64, in Game 1, sweeping the best-of-three North Division quarterfinals.
San Juan now awaits its next opponent, either Caloocan or Manila, who were still battling at press time. Caloocan edged Manila, 79-78, in their playoff opener.
Mike Calisaan led the Knights, the 2019 MPBL champions, with a stellar performance, recording 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The former San Sebastian stalwart received strong support from Nikko Panganiban, who contributed 11 points, including three triples, along with 3 rebounds, and Orlan Wamar, who added 11 points and 5 assists.
After a tight third quarter where San Juan held a slim 58-57 lead, the Knights shifted into high gear during the final five minutes, securing their biggest lead by the final buzzer.
Calisaan and Wamar combined for 16 points in that stretch, outscoring the entire Golden Coolers, who managed only 13 points in the quarter.
San Juan head coach Jinggoy Estrada also got valuable contributions from Agem Miranda with 7 points and 9 assists, as well as 6 points each from Michael Malonzo, Dexter Maiquez, John Galinato, and Zach Huang.
On the Rizal side, Valandre Chauca posted 12 points and 4 assists, while Alwyn Alday added 11 points, and Bambam Gamalinda chipped in 10 points.
The MPBL Playoffs continue on Monday in Zamboanga City, with Quezon facing Negros at 6 p.m., followed by Paranaque versus Zamboanga at 8 p.m.
