Batangas, San Juan march on

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas-Tanduay gave Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions a disappointing end to its 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season campaign as the Athletics drubbed the home side, 77-66, late Saturday night at the Bahayang Pag-Asa Gym in Maysan, Valenzuela.

Though depleted, the Batangas Athletics showed they have enough weapons left to beat the Valenzuela Classic and remain in the hunt for fourth spot in the South which carries with it the homecourt advantage in the quarterfinals starting on Feb. 15.

Batangas caught up with idle Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines at 18-11.

Leading by just six entering the payoff period, 57-51, Batangas uncorked a 12-3 start, punctuated by Jhaymo Eguilos’ hook shot to take the lead for good, 69-54.

“We were without key players but still got a win. It is a culture that we are creating, next man up,” said Batangas coach Woody Co as Rey Suerte and Jaydee Tungcab had to attend Gilas duties.

Meanwhile, the San Juan Knights flaunted their firepower and board strength in a 114-68 battering of the Mindoro Tamaraws, finishing the elimination round with a 26-4 record and moving beyond reach of the Manila Stars (24-5), who have a game left.

Leaving nothing to chance, the Go for Gold-backed Knights stormed to a 37-15 spread after the first quarter, padded it to 70-33 at halftime, and never letup to post their biggest lead at the buzzer.

John Wilson again shone for San Juan, champion of the MPBL Datu Cup, with 16 points, six rebounds, plus six assists, and got support from Larry Rodriguez with 13 points plus nine rebounds; homegrown Joseph Ubalde with 12 points plus nine boards; Andrew Estrella and Jhonard Clarito with 11 points each; and Mike Ayonayon with 10 points.