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San Juan draws first blood in MPBL Finals vs DavOcc


By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Juan shocked the raucous crowd inside the Almendras Gym in Davao City after drubbing Davao Occidental, 84-74, in Game 1 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Finals on Thursday night.

The Knights put the jampacked arena into utter silence after racing to a 49-32 lead at halftime.

However, the Tigers turned things around come the third quarter, going on a 16-4 run at the middle of the period to cut the lead down to just six, 56-50, with 3:29 to go in the said frame.

San Juan regained control of the game afterward and even increased its lead back to 16 in the final canto.

John Wilson made 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals for the Knights, who stole homecourt edge away from the Tigers.

Mac-Mac Cardona added 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block off the bench.

Eman Calo dropped 27 points on 8-of-12 shooting including 5-for-7 from long range with three of those treys coming in Davao Occidental's third quarter threat together with two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.

Box Scores:

SAN JUAN 84 - Wilson 21, Cardona 16, Ayonayon 11, Jeruta 9, Rodriguez 8, Clarito 8, Muyang 4, Tajonera 3, Wamar 2, Aquino 2, Isit 0

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL 74 - Calo 27, Yee 13, Terso 11, Najorda 5, Robles 4, Custodio 4, Ombecan 4, Medalla 3, Lamocha 2, Raymundo 1, Estrellante 0, Adorneo 0

Quarterscores: 25-17, 49-32, 66-56, 84-74

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