San Juan recovers from stunning defeat, rolls at Marikina

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Juan bounced back from a shock loss to Rizal by deposing Marikina on the road, 77-65, in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Marist School Gymnasium in Marikina on Saturday night.

The Knights limited the Shoemasters to just 10 points in each of the first two periods while staying in pace with them as the scoring pace spiked in the second half.

Rian Ayonayon collected 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block off the bench for San Juan, which tied Manila for second place in the Northern Division at 9-2, a half-game behind league-leading Bataan.

Dexter Mescallando made 17 markers, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block for Marikina, which fell to a tie with Basilan and Rizal for 10th place in the South at 4-7.

The loss spoiled Gerald Anderson's best game so far in the season.

The actor and former reality show star made 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno