Knights end Risers' 14-game win streak; Stars eclipse Warriors

BALANGA, Bataan — The San Juan Knights cut the Bataan Risers' win run at 14 Monday night, grinding out a 67-61 victory in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the sweaty, steamy Bataan People's Center here.

Back-to-back triples by Cedric Pelayo and John Wilson shoved the Knights ahead, 60-48, before they fended off another spirited charge by the Risers to tally their 15th win against three losses and come closer to their victims in the standings.

Bataan dropped to 14-2 to the disappointment of the jam-packed crowd, who were given a ray of hope after the Risers threatened at 57-60, with still 4:13 left.

Larry Rodriguez was a tower of power for the Go for Gold-backed Knights, finishing with 19 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, and was supported by Wilson with 13 points.

According to San Juan coach Randy Alcantara, they capitalized on their big men, led by Rodriguez and Larry Muyang, to rule the boards, 56-43, and take the sting out of the Risers, who were hobbled by a horrible 1 of 17 shooting from the 3-point zone.

Only Alfred Batino was in his element for the Risers, scoring 16 and grabbing 8 rebounds.

With Rodriguez pouring 16 points, the Knights took a 36-30 halftime lead which they preserved up to the end.

Earlier, the Manila Stars exerted just enough effort to subdue the General Santos City Warriors, 63-57, and stay close to the top.

Drawing 22 points from speedster Christopher Bitoon, the Robust Energy Capsule-supported Stars sealed their 13th victory against three losses at 63-53 with 53 seconds to go, but allowed the Warriors to come closer because of turnovers.

The Warriors, who got 15 points from Cristopher Masaglang and 10 from Jofrem Morada, dropped to 7-8 mainly because of their miserable 11 of 27 shooting from the free throw line.

Bitoon was supported by Jasper Parker with 10 points and Aristotle Dionisio with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. Mark Cruz also did his part with a game-high 16 rebounds, although the Stars were beaten off the boards by the Warriors, 62-52.

The MPBL visits Ynares Center in Antipolo with a twin bill pitting Makati against Mandaluyong at 7 p.m. and Rizal against Valenzuela at 9 p.m.

The scores:

First game

Manila 63 — Bitoon 22, Parker 10, Dionisio 9, Cervantes 5, Cruz 4, Orquina 4, Sabellina 3, Acuno 2, Laude 2, Yap 2, Arellano 0, Celada 0, Manalo 0, Martinez 0.

GenSan 57 — Masaglang 15, Morada 10, Clavel 8, Goloran 7, Orbeta 5, Mahaling 4, Landicho 3, Radin 3, Basco 2, Autor 0, Losentes 0, Racho 0, Timon 0, Vijandre 0.

Quarters: 20-14, 31-34, 47-44, 63-57.

Second game

San Juan 67 — Rodriguez 19, Wilson 13, Muyang 9, Pelayo 5, Ayonayon 4, Cardona 4, Gabawan 4, Jeruta 4, Wamar 3, Isit 2, Marquez 0, Parala 0.

Bataan 61 — Batino 16, Celiz 9, Raymundo 8, Tolentino 8, Alejandro 7, Faundo 4, David 3, Villarias 3, Bregondo 2, Escoto 1, Dagangon 0, Inigo 0, Vitug 0.

Quarters: 21-14, 36-30, 54-44, 67-61.