Huskers snap Knights' 13-game streak

Tiger Scores365

The streak is over.

Quezon Province delivered one of its biggest statements of the season Thursday night, frustrating the San Juan Knights with relentless defense en route to a 78-71 victory at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The win extended the Huskers' own winning run to six games while ending San Juan's 13-game streak, allowing Quezon to strengthen its hold on first place in the South Division with a 13-2 record.

The Huskers broke the game open in the closing minutes. Christian Pagaran and Mon Abundo scored on consecutive possessions around a Gerry Abadiano drive to stretch the lead to 71-61 with just over four minutes remaining.

San Juan attempted one final rally after Orlan Wamar knocked down a three-pointer, but Quezon calmly answered from the foul line. Cyrus Tabi buried two free throws before Pagaran split a pair to restore an eight-point cushion with 44.3 seconds left, putting the game out of reach.

SEA Games gold medalist Cedrick Manzano anchored the Huskers with 14 points and 12 rebounds to claim Best Player of the Game honors. Michael Canete also controlled the paint with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

"We did not give up and gave our best," Manzano said. "We followed the game plan and we were able to execute it well."

Judel Fuentes added nine points, while Tabi quietly steered the offense with 11 assists to go with six points. Pagaran finished with eight points and four rebounds.

San Juan, still atop the North Division at 15-2, played without departed star Michael Phillips and bid farewell to Gerry Abadiano, who suited up for the final time before beginning his professional career in the Korean Basketball League. Head coach Alex Angeles was also unavailable.

Michael Calisaan scored 14 points to lead the Knights, while Raul Soyud had 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Wamar contributed 10 points, and Abadiano wrapped up his San Juan stint with eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

In the day's earlier game, Cebu continued its late-season surge by defeating Marikina, 87-74, for its second straight victory.

Limuel Tampus led the Greats with 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists to earn Best Player of the Game honors. Alfrancis Tamsi matched him with 19 points, while Mark Meneses posted a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double and Alvin Baetiong added 19 points and 11 rebounds as Cebu improved to 16-5.

Marikina fell to 7-14 despite a strong all-around effort from Deo Timajo, who finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. JR Alabanza chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jeepy Faundo added 11 points and four boards.