Wamar delivers in crunch time as Knights escape Darkhorse in OT

Tiger Scores365

The San Juan Knights found themselves in a fight they did not expect — but when the game reached its most critical moments, Orlan Wamar made sure their winning streak stayed alive.

Wamar exploded in overtime to carry San Juan past the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 124-112, on Thursday at Paco Arena in Manila, extending the Knights’ run to 14 straight victories in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season.

The win pushed San Juan to 15-1, keeping the Knights within striking distance of North Division leader Abra Solid North, which sits at 16-1.

After a back-and-forth battle that required extra time, Wamar took control in the overtime period, scoring 10 of his 25 points while knocking down three triples to help the Knights pull away.

The former UAAP standout finished with eight three-pointers overall, along with six rebounds and five assists.

"We didn't expect the game to be this tight," Wamar said after hitting the clutch three-pointer that forced overtime, tying the game at 108 with 19.9 seconds remaining in regulation. "There are many lapses and we need to adjust in our practices."

Patrick Sleat provided major support with 23 points, six assists, and two rebounds before fouling out at the end of regulation. Dexter Maiquez also made his presence felt with 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds.

Gerry Abadiano, who is set to move to the Korean Basketball League, added 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Royce Alforque and Terrence Fortea each contributed 11 points.

Valenzuela, however, refused to make things easy.

The Darkhorse remained competitive behind CJ Alattica’s 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Shaq Alanes added 22 points, while JR Olegario finished with 21 points as Valenzuela slipped to 9-11.

In the nightcap, Zamboanga Sikat kept its postseason hopes alive with a narrow 85-84 victory over Quezon City.

The Sikat looked in danger before Levi Hernandez changed the momentum, delivering an and-one play and a three-pointer during a decisive fourth-quarter surge. Paeng Are followed with two straight baskets as Zamboanga turned the game around and built an 82-75 advantage with 2:32 remaining.

Brandon Wilson powered Zamboanga with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, while Hernandez finished with 15 points and six rebounds. Joseph Gabayni added 12 points, and Jayson Puray chipped in 10.

Quezon City had one final chance after Pat Buena buried a three-pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining, but the comeback fell short.

Buena led the losing side with 17 points, followed by Kobe Monje with 15, Jake Agoncillo with 11, and Ryan Costelo with 10.

For San Juan, the victory was another reminder of why it remains one of the league’s elite teams — surviving pressure, finding a closer, and continuing its chase of Abra at the top of the standings.