#LabanSanJuan: Knights move on to the next round, thanks to the small things

IT IS SAID THAT THE SMALLEST THINGS IN LIFE MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE.

That is what San Juan mentor Randy Alcantara had preached to his Knights, and it proved to be a meaningful one as they punched their ticket to the next round.

After their sweep of the Pasay Voyagers last night after their game 2 win in Angeles, he heralded the players' response after their Game 1 win in their build-up to the cluncher

"After nung game 1, talagang naging factor yung turnover points nila," he said in their 74-67 win that booked them their place in the Northern Division semifinals. "So, di tumigil ang coaching staff, hinimay namin talaga yung last game namin kung saan kami nahirapan."

Consequently, San Juan outscored Pasay from turnovers, 21-9 despite having committed one more error than their victims.

Apart from it, their woes in their size was evident when they do not have Jeff Tajonera before tip-off, with Larry Rodriguez being ejected in the third.

But their problem was solved when their guards took the cudgels, as they get inspiration from John Wilson who pulled 16 of those in the game.

"Maliliit kami, kaya wag kaming magpapatalo dun sa rebounds," he added. "Even si CJ [Isit] and si [Orlan] Wamar, kumuha ng rebounds. So, paano yung mga malalaki namin? Kaya kelangan mahawa sila sa maliliit namin."

With all the challenges thrown at them, Alcantara was elated that their character as champions held firm despite all the changes at their squad.

Hence, their shock troopers provided a lift when the going gets tough, especially its the postseason where the stakes gets higher.

"Ginawa lang namin na i-ready lang lahat," he then said, as next man up became their mantra as Lawrence Victoria provided seven unexpected points to make up for Mike Ayonayon's scoreless outing.

Photo by MPBL