Angeles City—The San Juan Knights flashed their fine form in the MPBL Datu Cup and on Wednesday night, the Knights smashed the Lanterns of Pampanga in front of the latter’s hometown cheering crowd at the Angeles University Foundation Arena here.
The Knights, sponsored by Go-For-Gold, ran roughshod over the Lanterns, 93-70, to serve notice of their championship aspirations.
San Juan’s relievers outscored their rivals, 68-28, and the 40-point difference from the bench production clearly showed the disparity of firepower between the two ball clubs.
Leading the way for the Knights was former Ginebra player John Wilson, who knocked in 20 points built around four triples.
Former Mapua guard CJ Isit added 14 points, while ex-pro Larry Rodriguez added 12. Mike Ayonayon contributed 10 and former PBA star Mac Cardona chipped in nine for the Knights.
“Goal talaga namin on taking the fight out of Pampanga and silencing the crowd. Malaking factor kasi ‘yung crowd lalo na dayo lang kami. The players responded and played according to our game plan,” said San Juan coach Randy Alcantara, previously a member of the coaching staff of inaugural champion Batangas City Athletics-Tanduay and is now hoping to bring his winning ways to the team he played for when the squad was playing in the MBA and won a title in 2000.