San Juan Game Log #1: Knights escape Bacoor with a nailbiter

Deja vu.

Kicking off their season the way they clinched the Datu Cup, the San Juan Knights survive a hostile crowd and silenced the Bacoor Strikers on their own floor, opening their title defense with a thrilling 77-76 win in the Lakandula Cup Friday evening at the Strike Gym.

Just like in their championship-clinching decider at Davao Occidental last season, Randy Alcantara's men emerged victorious  in the final play of the game to take the win away from the hosts who retooled their side during the offseason.

Reigning Finals MVP Mike Ayonayon had 22 points to lead the defending champions, including a tough jumper to get the lead for good in the last 20.1 seconds of the contest.

The Scores:

San Juan 77 -- Ayonayon 22, Clarito 16, Wilson 16, Rodriguez 12, Estrella 3, Isit 2 , Tajonera 2, Saitanan 2, Reyes 2, Cardona 0, Wamar 0, Aquino 0

Bacoor 76 -- Canete 19, Banal 17, Ramirez 13, Sumalinog 10, Montuano 8, Castro 7, Destacamento 2, Melencio 0, Acidre 0, Aquino 0, Webb 0

Quarter scores: 16-18, 37-32, 51-49, 77-76

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