Knights unleash second-half barrage to bury Hacienderos

08-05 02:56

The sting of San Juan's previous loss didn't linger for long.

Determined to make amends after a disappointing defeat to the Quezon Huskers, the Knights exploded after halftime and rolled past the Negros Hacienderos, 120-96, on Tuesday at the Ynares Center Montalban in the MPBL 2026 Season.

Clinging to a modest 54-48 halftime lead, San Juan shifted into another gear, pouring in 33 points in each of the final two quarters to turn a competitive contest into a convincing 24-point victory.

The win improved the Knights to 15-2 and reinforced their position among the league's elite after bouncing back from only their second loss of the season.

AC Soberano provided the spark, firing six three-pointers on his way to a game-high 22 points while adding three rebounds and two assists.

"That loss (against Quezon) was painful for us," Soberano said. "We made adjustments, and it worked."

Mike Calisaan complemented the outside shooting with 17 points, while veteran Rey Hugnatan chipped in 12 points and five rebounds. Patrick Sleat supplied the finishing touches, scoring San Juan's final eight points to end with 10 markers, three rebounds, and three assists.

Soberano admitted the Knights have embraced bigger responsibilities following the exits of Michael Phillips, who moved to Japan's B.League, and Gerry Abadiano, who is set to continue his career in the Korean Basketball League.

Negros made an encouraging start, taking a 25-22 lead after the opening period behind the efforts of DJ Howe and Flever Dignadice. But once San Juan settled into its rhythm before halftime, the momentum never swung back.

The Hacienderos fell to 1-17 despite another strong performance from Howe, who finished with 22 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Michael Alvarez added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Dignadice and Lorenz Vajar contributed 11 points each.

MPBL action continues Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan with Bulacan facing Pasig, Bataan taking on defending champion Abra, and Parañaque battling Basilan.