San Juan evens up MPBL finals after averting Calo-led DavOcc fightback

Showing why they are the reigning national champions of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, San Juan got the game composure when it mattered the most as it survived another comeback effort by Davao Occidental, 70-65 in the second game of the Lakan Season Finals Thursday evening at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.

In a nip and tuck affair, the Knights prevented another late-game meltdown in the final frame as it evened the title series at one game apiece, thanks to a tactical masterpiece by Coach Randy Alcantara in putting its vital cogs on the bench to start the game.

That worked for them as their siege mentality averted yet another late-game meltdown to avoid going down 0-2 before the league take a Friday break.

"Tinake namin ito as parang knockout game na talaga kasi kung ma 0-2 kami, mahirap nang makabawi syempre yung fatigue eh kasi diba magkakasunod ang laro," he said after the game.

Leading MVP candidate John Wilson led San Juan with 17 points, with much needed help with Mike Ayonayon and Jhonard Clarito putting up efficient performances as their second unit outscored the Tigers by 49.

The reigning playoff MVP was a dime short of a double-double while adding 15 markers, with the championship-clinching hero from the Datu Cup finale came up a point shy after hauling down 11 rebounds for San Juan.

Neither team have led by double figures, as the scrappy nature of the game became evident with 51 fouls whistled by the referees, including three technical fouls and an unsportsmanlike on Jeff Tajonera early in the game.

San Juan needed a huge 20-5 blitz in between the third and fourth quarters as it overcame a seven-point hole to lead 63-55 on a John Wilson triple with 4:14 left in the game, and even fended off the comeback try by Eman Calo and the Tigers with key shots down the stretch.

DavOcc's defeat wasted a monster effort by the former UV Green Lancer, who hit 21 of the game-high 26 in the second half.

The scores:

SAN JUAN 70 – Wilson 17, Ayonayon 15, Clarito 9, Rodriguez 8, Reyes 4, Gabawan 4, Isit 3, Wamar 3, Estrella 3, Pelayo 3, Tajonera 1, Aquino 0, Bunag 0, Marquez 0

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL 65 – Calo 26, Yee 13, Robles 11, Balagtas 6, Mocon 2, Custodio 2, Gaco 2, Terso 1, Ludovice 1, Albo 1, Raymundo 0, Bonleon 0

Quarter scores: 15-15, 38-37, 52-50, 70-65
PHOTOS: MPBL