Randy Alcantara admits that San Juan is now a huge target following close shave at Bacoor

  • Jun 23, 2019
  • BASKETBALL
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TARGETED. This was the word that fits the San Juan Knights in the MPBL Lakan Cup.

And true to the word, the Bacoor Strikers gave them a huge scare to open the season, yet just like in the very final game of last season the defending national champions held their nerve to eke out a one-point win last June 14.

"Muntik pa mag overtime," said a relieved Randy Alcantara to Pinoyliga.com after they silenced the jam-packed Strike Gym moments after their 77-76 win.

The win drew similarities in their title-clinching triumph away at Davao Occidental in the Datu Cup finals that went down the wire.

"Again, natest na naman yung character namin sa endgame. Buti na lang yung mga last two [minutes], nakaexecute kami ng plays namin. nakahabol kami at lumamang kami."

However, he admitted that the Strikers they faced are a complete opposite from what they faced from last season, as they are more than just heavily depending on reigning MVP Gab Banal.

"Sinabi ko sa pregame, different Bacoor Strikers itong makakaharap namin. So forget about last season, iba yung things ngayon," he added, noting the facelift it made in the offseason that made their previous win there consigned to the history books.

"Isa sila dun sa nagpalakas. Of course nakita natin, hanggang dulo lumaban sila."

Alcantara bared  that they newcomers have done a decent job in their opener, especially CJ Isit when he is matched up with RJ Ramirez, but he still has the usual reliables to do the job, especially to Finals MVP Mike Ayonayon. 

"Siya na naman yung endgame, pupuntahan mo talaga."

As June 28 approaches, he hopes that his teammates in the original incarnation that won the old MBA title 19 years ago turn up for their home opener against Pasay.

"Kung may chance naman sila. Sana nga makanood sila at makita ang San Juan new generation," he said afterwards. 

Pinoyliga is the social media partner of the San Juan Knights, the National Champions of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League