SAN JUAN GAME LOG #30: Knights nab top overall seed after smashing Mindoro

NO BRAINER. NOT EVEN CLOSE.

San Juan showed why they are the reigning champions of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League with a merciless beatdown of Mindoro, 114-68 to cap off their regular season in Valenzuela City.

In what was their easiest win of the Lakan Season, the Knights formally put any doubts to rest, finishing off the Tamaraws in just the opening ten minutes to claim the ultimate bonus: home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, ending their campaign at 26-4 on top of the Northern Division.

Not only they have sending Manila Stars down to the number 2 seed, but also they set up a perfect springboard ahead of their series with the Pasay Voyagers in the first round.

Six Knights were in double figures for coach Randy Alcantara, with ex-pro skipper John Wilson leading them with 16 points on 4/10 from deep while adding 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Domination was just an understatement for the champions when they dominated the numbers across the stat sheets.

They hit 53% from the field all game long, including 11/24 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Mindoro were held to just 30% from the field, and only hit one triple in 20 tries.

Larry Rodriguez and homegrown Joseph Ubalde were just a rebound away from a double-double while finishing with 13 and 12 respectively.

Ubalde's career game was part of the huge explosion by San Juan's reserves, as it thrashed Mindoro's second unit 63-15 as forward Jhonard Clarito and combo guard Andoy Estrella each had 11.

The Knights practically called game in just the opening period, when they fired 12 straight after conceding the opening basket en route to a 22-point lead.

After that, San Juan blew Mindoro out further, with Orlan Wamar's three-pointer gave them the final count and the biggest lead at 46.

The Scores: 

SAN JUAN 114 — Wilson 16, Rodriguez 13, Ubalde 12, Estrella 11, Clarito 11, Ayonayon 10, Gabawan 8, Victoria 7, Wamar 6, Aquino 6, Tajonera 5, Marquez 4, Pelayo 3, Buñag 2, Bonifacio 0 

Mindoro 68 — Vaygan 17, Baracael 15, Abanes 14, Osicos 5, Mandreza 4, Axalan 4, Acedillo 4, Bangeles 3, Astrero 1, Alulod 1

Quarter scores: 37-15, 70-33, 90-48, 114-68 

Photos by MPBL