The San Juan Knights-Go for Gold overcame an endgame run from the Manila SV Batang Sampaloc Sparks, 80-78, in the 2024 MPBL season on Monday night at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
With the Stars threatening to score within 70-74 after an inside hit by Gregory Slaughter, the Knights widened their lead to 77-70 after a three-pointer by Nikko Panganiban with over a minute left.
The Stars cut the deficit to 73-77 after an outside conversion from Tonino Gonzaga, but the Knights got two free throws from Orlan Wamar Jr. to make it 79-73 before Manila responded with another triple from Lorenzo Navarro to come within 76-79.
San Juan extended the lead to 80-76 on a split free throw by Wamar, but Manila cut it to 78-80 anew on two free throws by Navarro. Nikko Panganiban missed his two free throws for the Knights, but the Stars were unable to convert on the other end.
Wamar finished with 21 points, including two three-pointers, to go with seven assists and four rebounds as the Knights recorded their 12th consecutive victory for a 21-1 win-loss slate.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga coaching staff kasi ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin buong buo at hindi ko lang sinayang ‘yun,” Wamar said during his Player of the Game interview.
“Coming to this game, sinabihan kami ng coaches na isa sa mga strengths namin is ‘yung fastbreak kaya dun kami mas nagrely against Manila,” he added.
Panganiban added 15 markers, while Dexter Maiquez contributed 14 points and nine rebounds for San Juan.
Joshua Torralba led Manila with 16 points, while Gregory Slaughter and Carl Bryan Cruz added 15 and 11 markers, respectively. They dropped to a 16-7 record.
The post San Juan survives Manila for 12th straight MPBL win first appeared on Fastbreak.
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