The San Juan Knights quelled the Pampanga Giant Lanterns’ final rally and prevailed, 73-68, on Thursday, securing a top-three spot in the North Division of the MPBL 2025 Season at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
San Juan saw a 19-point spread (46-27) reduced to just two, 61-59, with 3 minutes and 27 seconds to go, but Michael Calisaan scored four points in an 8-2 counter to power the Knights to their 23rd win against 2 losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
The Knights trail the Abra Solid North Weavers (23-1) and Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (24-2), and are way ahead of Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, who dumped the Muntinlupa Cagers, 81-58, in the nightcap for an 18-7 card.
The Quezon Huskers routed the Bataan Risers, 91-65, in the opener and claimed the top seeding in the South Division with a 22-4 record.
Calisaan wound up with 19 points and 8 rebounds to earn best player honors over Nikko Panganiban, who contributed 10 points plus 4 rebounds.
Reigning back-to-back champion Pampanga fell to 17-8 despite Larry Muyang’s 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Allen Mina’s 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Powered by JP Sarao and Judel Fuentes, the Huskers moved beyond the reach of the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters (18-8) in the jostling for playoff slots in the South.
Sarao posted 18 points, spiked by 3 triples, 5 rebounds and 2 assists; Fuentes tallied 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, and LJ Gonzales contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.
Calisaan to the rescue as Knights down Giant Lanterns
