Knights shoot for Northern crown

Typhoon Seniang is now out of the country but the San Juan Knights hope to make their own storm versus the Manila Metrostars in a bid to clinch the MBA Northern Conference crown today.

Enjoying a commanding two-game-to-nil lead in the best-of-five series, the Knights go for the conference crown and a seat in the national finals as they meet the beleaguered Metrostars in their turf at the Mail & More Sports Complex at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Negros Slashers play the Cebu Gems in their homecourt at the University of St. La Salle Gym at 4:30 p.m., hoping to sustain the momentum of their vital win Sunday to seize the initiative in their Southern Conference titular series.

The Slashers forced a one-all deadlock with the Gems following a 100-95 decision in Game Two behind the heroics of Johnadel Cardel, Chris-Dennis Madrid and former Nueva Ecija Patriot Cid White. Cebu took Game One at 104-96.

San Juan broke the ice in the Northern Conference title playoff with an 85-72 victory Saturday and followed it up with a pulsating 82-80 win clinched by Christian Calaguio’s short jumper in the closing seconds Sunday.

San Juan coach Philip Cezar vowed to finish off Manila today as he is determined to erase the stigma of their bad experience at the Mail & More Sports Complex.

Cezar was meted a three-game suspension for allegedly destroying properties in their dugout at the venue following a 98-102 loss to the Metrostars on July 23.

"Hopefully, we can complete a sweep, so we can also make an early preparation for the finals," said Cezar.

Manila mentor David Zamar, on his part, expects his boys to go all out to keep their hopes for a second straight national championship.

"The series is far from over. Expect us to get back. We just need to play tough defense," said Zamar. — Joey Villar