Streaking San Juan withstood Parañaque’s final assault and prevailed, 88-82, in the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Fifth Season on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The San Juan Knights blew a 20-point halftime spread, but kept their composure even as the Parañaque Patriots bunched 10 points to threaten at 77-83 with only 1:48 left.
Nikko Panganiban, however, countered with two layups against two charities by Joshua Gallano to ensure the Knights’ 11 straight win and an 18-3 record in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Michael Calisaan powered the Knights with 28 points and seven rebounds, followed by Panganiban with 21 points, three rebounds plus three assists, and Marwin Taywan with 11 points, five steals and four assists.