San Juan shares MPBL lead, So. Cotabato gains traction

Unbeaten San Juan and South Cotabato trounced their opponents on Monday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The San Juan Knights sped away in the third quarter and proceeded to beat the Negros Muscovados, 85-64, for their eighth straight win that pushed them on top with the Quezon Huskers in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

It was the same situation for the South Cotabato Warriors, who drubbed the Bicolandia Oragons, 82-68, and gained ground with a 7-3 record. Held to a count at halftime, the Knights turned hot in the second half and led by as many as 24 points, 81-57 in pulling down the Muscovados to 4-6.

Michael Calisaan paced a balanced San Juan attack with 12 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Dexter Maiquez with 11 points and 7 rebounds and Orlan Wamar with 11 points and 3 rebounds. San Juan coach Sen. Jinggoy Estrada fielded 15 players, only one of whom failed to score.

Negros got 13 points and 8 rebounds from James Paul Una, 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists from Renz Palma and 12 points from Jefferson Comia. Powered by Jammer Jamito and Marwin Dionisio, South Cotabato surged ahead, 77-52, only for the Oragons to bunch 14 points behind Charles Burgos and reduce the deficit somewhat.
Jamito wound up with 18 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Enzo Joson with 12 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds plus 2 steals, and Jervy Cruz with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Bicolandia tasted its 10th straight setback despite the 15-point, 9-rebound effort of Burgos and the 15 points of Shaquille Alanes.

The MPBL goes to the Caloocan Sports Complex on Tuesday with games pitting Imus against Abra at 4 p.m., Sarangani against Marikina at 6 p.m., and Zamboanga against Caloocan at 8 p.m.

Caption: Michael Calisaan shines for San Juan.