SAN JUAN GAME LOG #9: Knights made MPBL history, dispatch Nueva Ecija to set winning record

History was made at the FilOil FlyingV Centre as the San Juan Knights set a new MPBL record as they dispatch Nueva Ecija, 109-95 Monday evening.

A huge second quarter did it once again for the defending national champions as they broke the record of Muntinlupa for the best winning start of the season, notching their ninth straight triumph in as many games at the Lakan Season.

The previous record was eight, made by the Cagers last season in the Datu Cup but San Juan made it one better to sweep their August homestand to make it 3 wins out of 3 at FilOil.

Just like in their last outing against Quezon City, John Wilson has let his bombs fly once again for the champions, firing for 26 points including five three-pointers.

Captain Hook Mac Cardona led the San Juan subs' squad with 18 points, as the deep bench of coach Randy Alcantara outscored NE by 20, a proof of their capabilities.

Team work was on display for the home side, dishing out 30 assists while getting their hands at work on defense, swiping the ball away 17 times with Wilson having five of those the entire game.

The Knights even have to grind it out in the first quarter, with Nueva Ecija taking a nine-point lead before withstanding the late rally for a three-point lead.

That all changed in the second period when San Juan went to serious business, locking down the guests by holding them to just a dozen markers as the Knights went on a tear to lead by 17 at the break, thanks to an 11-0 run that blew the game wide open.

San Juan then made the biggest lead at 25 in the third period, with Larry Rodriguez's three point play made it 74-49 with 4:24 left before seeing it reduced to 16.

The huge lead was enough for the Knights to withstand their final rally, sending the jam-packed crowd at FilOil to jubilation, even on a holiday.

The scores:

SAN JUAN 109 -- Wilson 26, Cardona 18, Clarito 14, Rodriguez 13, Estrella 8, Ayonayon 8, Reyes 7, Pelayo 5, Ubalde 3, Isit 2, Tajonera 2, Marquez 2, Aquino 1 Saitanan 0, Salvado 0

Nueva Ecija 95 -- Monte 27, Aquino 13, Gozum 11, Sarao 10, Dela Cruz 9, Delfinado 7, Reyes 5, Acibar 5, Celada 4, Armenion 2, Tadeo 2, Reducto 0

Quarter scores: 23-26, 55-38, 82-66, 109-95

(photo by Harold Biado/San Juan Knights)

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