Knights on cusp mof crown

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan-Go for Gold unleashed a big run in the stretch to eke out an 80-74 victory over AICC Manila and move on the verge of being the inaugural champion of the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gym last Saturday.

Former pro Larry Rodriguez and Jhonard Clarito helped spark the late breakaway as the Knights took the 1-0 lead in the best-of-three finals.

Down 65-66 early in the fourth quarter, Rodriguez and Clarito conspired on a 10-2 blast to turn it into a 75-68 lead with four and a half minutes to go. The Knights never relinquished the lead.

Rodriguez finished with 10 points and seven rebounds while Clarito had nine points, 11 boards and three assists for the Knights, who edged the Davao Occidental Tigers, 85-84, in the semis.

Rhenz Abando paced the Knights with 17 points while Orlan Wamar contributed 12 points, five caroms and four dimes.