A Dangerous Opponent: San Juan Tries to Return to Winning Ways Against Caloocan

Tomorrow's game between the defending champions, the San Juan Knights and the Caloocan Supremos is an important game. For one, we have one team who will try to build some momentum heading into the playoffs and also try to stay atop the North standings, For another, another team will try to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth What could make this game more interesting is the fact that San Juan is coming off a stunning loss and that both teams still have one more game in their respective schedules after tomorrow. In other words, both the Knights and the Supremos are aware of the importance of their game tomorrow as it could spell the difference in their positions by the end of the elimination round.

And that's one of the reasons why the San Juan Knights must win tomorrow's game against the Caloocan Supremos because even though the Knights are already assured of a place in the playoffs, the top spot in the North Division is still up for grab as the Manila Stars are still within striking distance. 

Coming off what could be one of their worst losses this season where they scored a season-low 64 points, the Knights are gunning to return to their winning ways as they will try to put a damper to Caloocan's playoff aspiration assuming that the latter will win tomorrow's contest. A win will not only strengthen San Juan's grasp on the top spot but it will also restore their confidence heading into the playoffs.

But you all have to remember: the  Supremos did beat the Manila Stars- something that the Knights failed to do.

In other words, Caloocan won't easily fold.

What should the Knights do?

For one, come out firing at all cylinders and do not, at all cost, cool down as they did against the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines Valientes last week. The fact that the Valientes limited the Knights to 64 points shows that if the Knights cool down, they are beatable. John Wilson needs to score more and by more, meaning more efficiently. He may have scored 18 points against Zamboanga last week but shot 6 for 17 from the field. That's 33% field goal shooting. For another, they definitely need to score more than just 64 points and they will need to do it with better efficiency as the Valientes limited them to 33% field goal shooting. Come up firing early on and, with better efficiency. That should be the keys.

Another possible factor for tomorrow's game? San Juan needs to dictate the pace of the game early on. One of the reasons why the Supremos are still in the hunt for a playoff berth is that they can stay within striking distance in most of their games and that's what makes them a dangerous opponent to face.

In other words, John Wilson must regain his shooting touch. Mike Ayonayon must show why he was last season's Finals MVP. And most importantly, the Knights must remind the Supremos why they are the defending champions.

Photo is from the Facebook page of the San Juan Knights