#LabanSanJuan: With sweep and return trip in mind, Knights know Makati would bounce back despite closed-door affair

Even with the win in Game 1, San Juan is still wary of Makati's capabilities.

That's what coach Randy Alcantara said on Monday evening after the Knights opened the Northern Division Finals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League's Lakan Season.

"Sabi ko nga, di kami magpabaya sa team na yan dahil nakita naman natin yung series nila against Manila," he said in the post-game presser at the FilOil FlyingV Centre, while admitted that they have lost steam during the middle quarters in which the Super Crunch even led in that stretch before going cold in the final frame.

Like in the first two series with Pasay and Pampanga, the message is still clear: never let their guard down, especially in a short three-game series.

"Walang nagchachampion sa game 1. So babalik at babalik yan, at aware kami doon."

And heading into the clincher later tonight, the next-man-up mentality has got the defending National Champions renewed confidence which was a needed boost as it still has to cope with Larry Rodriguez's extended rest due to his toe injury.

"Lahat naman yan ready naman yan," he added. "Binunot ka dyan, ready ka. May purpose ka sa loob"

Furthermore, the game one win was not possible without its supporters who defied the threat of the Covid-19 just to turn up and see them win their tenth straight win at home.

"May kinakaharap tayong virus, andito sila para suportahan kami at magdasal para manalo. Yun ang nagbigay sa min ng energy, so siguro sinusuklian namin plus yung suporta ng pamilya namin at ng management," Alcantara then said.

That same virus have made the league with no choice but to hold the the respective game twos in empty arenas, where it was the first time in MPBL history that an attendance of zero will be recorded.

As such, their clincher against Makati, as well as Basilan's home stand against Davao Occidental in the Southern Division semifinals will be locked out to the fans.

Photo by Harold Biado/San Juan Knights