Orlan Wamar shines again for San Juan. MPBL photo
San Juan trounces Makati in MPBL playoff opener
THE San Juan Knights clamped down on defense and executed their transition plays to trounce the Makati OKBet Kings, 95-84, on Monday in the opener of their best-of-three quarterfinal series in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.
While Orlan Wamar paced San Juan’s offense again, the Knights focused on Makati main man Robby Celiz on the defensive end.
Coach Randy Alcantara’s strategy worked as the Knights led by as far as 55-36 and moved within a win of advancing to the semifinal round of the North division.
Showing why he’s the MPBL 3-point king, Wamar fired 23 points, including 5 of 9 triple tries, issued 5 assists and snagged 4 rebounds to earn another best player honor.
Other Knights who delivered were Nikko Panganiban with 17 points plus 5 rebounds and Adrian Nocum, Egie Boy Mojica and AC Soberano with 12 points each. Nocum also had 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal.
Celiz, who usually tallies double-doubles, was held to 7 points and 4 rebounds, sapping the Kings’ firepower.
Keith Agovida tried to fill the void with 19 points and 8 rebounds, and so did Gabriel Dagangon with 16 points, Billy Robles with 11 and Emman Calo with 10.
Alcantara said he expects the Kings to put up a tougher stand in Game 2 on Oct. 16, but thinks they have a good chance of cutting short the series if their defense holds.
According to Wamar, he expects the Kings to be more physical and is bracing for it.
The MPBL visits the Batangas City Coliseum for the start of the quarterfinal series between GenSan and Muntinlupa at 6 p.m. and Imus against Batangas at 8 p.m.
