DAVAO CITY — The San Juan Knights played with grit and attrition to squeak past the Davao Occidental Tigers, 87-86, Thursday night and snatch the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup national title at the people-packed Rizal Memorial Colleges Gymnasium here. Another skywalker, Ryan Ayonayon presided over the Knights’ shocker, pouring in 33 points, including 20 in the first half. The Tigers took Game 2, 67-60, but the Knights regained the edge with a 67-62 Game 3 victory. While his players were jubilating in triumph, San Juan coach Randy Alcantara wept unabashedly, as he dedicated the game to his mother, who passed away last year. Alcantara, who was also part of another San Juan team which ruled the 2000 edition of the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, precursor of the MPBL, praised his players.

Source: Philippine Star April 26, 2019 01:30 UTC