Knights roll past Batang Quiapo as Tamaraws steal thriller from Marikina

Tiger Scores365

San Juan had little trouble taking care of business, while Mindoro needed a frantic late-game rally to pull off one of the day's biggest escapes as the MPBL action continued Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The San Juan Knights overwhelmed the Manila Batang Quiapo, 124-75, cruising to their 16th victory of the season and strengthening their bid for a top playoff seed in the North Division.

San Juan seized control early and never looked back, with Patrick Sleat and Harold Alarcon leading the charge as the Knights eventually opened up a massive 43-point advantage at 82-39.

Sleat, a former Perpetual Help standout, finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and two assists, punctuating his performance with a two-handed slam.

Alarcon, meanwhile, came close to a triple-double, producing 10 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.

Michael Calisaan added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Nikko Panganiban and Dexter Maiquez contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The victory lifted San Juan to 16-2, keeping the Knights within striking distance of North Division leaders Abra Solid North (18-1) and Caloocan (17-2).

If San Juan's victory was comfortable, Mindoro's was anything but.

The Tamaraws appeared headed for defeat against Marikina after falling behind by as many as 15 points. But with the game slipping away, Mindoro produced a furious fourth-quarter comeback before completing a dramatic 71-69 escape.

Marikina still held a 69-64 lead with only 28.3 seconds remaining.

Then everything changed.

Jayjay Caspe buried a pressure-filled three-pointer before stealing the ball from RR Casajeros on the ensuing possession. Casajeros was assessed an unsportsmanlike foul, giving Mindoro another opportunity.

Drick Acosta split his free throws, setting the stage for Bambam Gamalinda.

With just 10.7 seconds remaining, Gamalinda knocked down a three-pointer to give the Tamaraws their first lead of the closing stretch, 71-69.

Marikina had one last chance, but Casajeros missed both free throws with 4.8 seconds left, allowing Mindoro to complete the stunning comeback.

JC Recto led the Tamaraws with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and three assists, while Caspe added 14 points and five rebounds.

Mindoro improved to 11-9 and strengthened its position in the South Division play-in race, although the Tamaraws nearly paid for their struggles at the free-throw line after making only 16 of 38 attempts.

Marikina dropped to 6-15 despite 14 points from Jeepy Faundo, 13 from Jethro Escoto, and 12 from Jomel Landayan.

The MPBL continues Tuesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex, where Bataan meets Sarangani, Zamboanga faces Valenzuela, and Caloocan takes on Gensan.