San Juan-Go for Gold Knights Reassert Mastery over Davao Occidental in MPBL Finals Rematch

The San Juan-Go-for Gold Knights turned what was supposed to be a much-anticipated finals rematch into a yawner as they trampled over the Davao Occidental-Cocolife Tigers, 84-65, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, on Saturday at University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.

The Knights did their work early, as they built a massive 26-point lead, 43-17, before it settled at 18, 49-31, at halftime. The Tigers tried to make a game out of it and trimmed the deficit down to eight, 57-65, but the Knights did not blink and scored 13 unanswered points behind the efforts of Andoy Estrella, John Wilson, and CJ Isit to bring their lead back to a comfortable 21 points at 78-57 with just 3:58 to go.

"Siyempre, nagulat kami sa maagang lamang, pero lumaban kami sa depensa, sa dikdikan. Naka-match kami, naka-execute at gumana ang depensa namin," said Knights coach Randy Alcantara.

Cebuano guard Orlan Wamar led the way for the reigning MPBL champions with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists in less than 14 minutes of action to help the Knights improve to a league-best 23-3 win-loss record.

John Wilson delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals for San Juan while new recruit Renzo Subido added 11 markers founded on three triples and three assists.

The Knights torched Davao from the outside, hitting 15 three-pointers, 11 from their pace-setting first half.

Mark Yee and Yvan Ludovice registered 14 points apiece with the former adding 14 rebounds against five turnovers for the Tigers.

Despite their five-game win streak halted, the Tigers remained as the top seed in the Southern division with a 21-4 win-loss card.

The Scores:

San Juan-Go for Gold 84 - Wamar 15, Wilson 14, Subido 11, Ayonayon 9, Clarito 9, Tajonera 9, Rodriguez 6, Isit 4, Estrella 4, Reyes 2, Aquino 1, Victoria 0, Bonifacio 0, Pelayo 0, Bunag 0.

Davao Occidental-Cocolife 65 - Ludovice 14, Yee 14, Gaco 9, Calo 8, Robles 6, Balagtas 5, Albo 3, Mocon 2, Bonleon 2, Forrester 1, Raymundo 1, Saldua 0, Dumagan 0, Adormeo 0.

Quarterscores: 26-13, 49-31, 63-51, 84-65.