San Juan spoils Vis Valencia's birthday bash, rallies to beat Makati

Judel Fuentes helped San Juan spoil Makati's upset bid. MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Just when Makati was about to give Coach Vis Valencia a great birthday gift, San Juan fought back to show their championship pedigree.

The Knights averted a major giant slaying from the Kingpins and walked away victorious, 95-85, in their MPBL showdown on Monday night at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.

San Juan fought back in the second half to clip Makati, which was poised for a huge upset after waxing hot in the first quarter.

Behind a solid three-point shooting, the Kingpins raced to a 33-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, and they remained solid until the early goings of the third quarter.

However, the Knights finished the third on a 16-6 run and blazed ahead in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.

Judel Fuentes fired 22 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal for San Juan, which won for the third straight time and moved up to 6-4 in the standings.

Michael Calisaan added 18 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Jammer Jamito came up with 13 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.

Kenz Diokno made 18 markers, 10 boards, seven dimes, one steal, and one block for Makati, which fell for the 10th straight time and dropped to 1-11.

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