The Go for Gold-San Juan Knights got a huge game from Michael Calisaan as they dethroned the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, 88-80, in Game 2 of the MPBL Northern Division semifinals on late Friday night at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum.
Calisaan, who previously played for the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, posted a double-double of 30 points and 18 rebounds as the Knights finished off the Rice Vanguards, 2-0, in their best-of-three series.
Adrian Nocum contributed 17 points, with two three-pointers, to go with five rebounds and five assists, while Nikko Panganiban ended up with 12 markers for San Juan, which will face the powerhouse Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the division finals.
San Juan team owner Senator Jinggoy Estrada said he was relieved that they were able to finish off the Rice Vanguards in Game 2, as they are avoiding a repeat of last year’s Northern Division semifinals.
“Last year, nanalo kami ng Game 1 sa Nueva Ecija, then natalo kami sa Game 2 sa homecourt namin, and natalo kami uli noong Game 3 dito sa Nueva Ecija, kaya sabi ko kung puwedeng tapusin, tapusin na namin sa Game 2,” Estrada said.
“Kaya kinausap ko talaga sila before Game 2, sabi ko ‘I do not want a repeat performance’ and good thing natapos na namin,” he added. “Ayaw na namin mag Game 3 kasi mapapagod din ang mga players namin, ang layo ng Nueva Ecija.”
San Juan went on to build a lead as high as 14 points in the second half, but the two-time defending champions, Nueva Ecija, clawed their way back as they cut the deficit to 67-70 early in the fourth quarter.
The Knights, however, answered with a triple from Orlan Wamar Jr., a jumper from Nocum, and inside conversions from Calisaan as they widened the lead to 82-71 with over three minutes left.
William McAloney top-scored for the dethroned champions, Nueva Ecija, with 21 points; Jonathan Uyloan added 15 markers on five triples; and Chris Bitoon ended up with 11 points.
The post Michael Calisaan explodes for 30 as San Juan dethrones Nueva Ecija first appeared on Fastbreak.
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