Judel Fuentes catches fire as San Juan upends Valenzuela in playoff opener

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Judel Fuentes sizzled for San Juan to lead the team to a 90-82 win against Valenzuela to open their MPBL playoff series on Tuesday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Coming off the bench, Fuentes fired 36 points to keep the Knights afloat against a gallant Classic team which tried to steal the game in the fourth quarter only to fall short.

Orlan Wamar added 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals for San Juan, which can clinch the best-of-three series next week at its own turf, the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Patrick Cabahug put up 23 points, one rebound, and two assists for Valenzuela, which needs to take Game 2 to force a deciding game.

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