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| Adrian Nocum led San Juan to a North semis date against Nueva Ecija. MPBL |
PASIG--San Juan needed double overtime before eliminating Makati from MPBL Playoffs contention with a 95-92 squeaker in Game 2 of their first-round series late Monday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.
In a game that started moments after 9 p.m.--mainly due to the delay brought about by the scoreboard malfunctioning during the Nueva Ecija-Pasay game--but ended at around 11:55 p.m. following lengthy stoppages either due to some altercations and players going down due to cramps, the Knights survived after the Kings' last ditch fell short.
San Juan took the lead for good after going on a 6-1 run midway into the second overtime period to take a 95-90 lead with 1:03 to go.
Eman Calo kept Makati alive with two free throws with 42 seconds left, and his teammates forced a stop by forcing Rhinwill Yambing to take a three-pointer that he missed.
However, JC Cullar missed a three-pointer of his own that could have sent the game to triple overtime, and the Knights ran out the clock in the end.
Adrian Nocum scored 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one block to lead San Juan, which set a North Division semifinal showdown against Nueva Ecija.
Orlan Wamar added 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Calo and Robby Celiz each scored 24 points with Celiz also grabbing 11 rebounds for Makati, while Billy Robles added 19 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one block.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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