The San Juan Knights made easy work of the severely depleted Makati Super Crunch in a 131-54 blowout to reach the National Finals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in Subic on Wednesday, March 10.

John Wilson and Jhonard Clarito showed the way with a combined 42 points as San Juan obliterated Makati, which fielded only 5 players, in the do-or-die Game 3 of their Northern Division finals.

Wilson waxed hot for 22 points on a 9-of-11 shooting to go with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in the lopsided victory that saw the defending champion Knights race to a blazing 15-0 start and never look back.

After 3 periods, the final tally only had to be determined as San Juan seized a 94-36 lead going into the final quarter.

Clarito came off the bench and put up 20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, while Orlan Wamar added 14 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds for the Knights, also off bench.

Fresh from a productive rookie campaign for NLEX in the PBA, Mike Ayonayon returned to the MPBL and made his presence felt for San Juan with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.

The Super Crunch forced a decider almost exactly a year ago behind their core of former PBA players, among them Rudy Lingganay, Jeckster Apinan, Juneric Baloria, Joseph Sedurifa, and Cedrick Ablaza.

But those players did not see action in Game 3 due to an alleged salary dispute with the team, leaving Makati with only 5 players.

Without substitutions, the Super Crunch shot a paltry 29% from the field and tallied almost as many turnovers (13) as assists (14).

Edwin Asoro paced Makati with 21 points and 4 blocks, while Mark Lester Sta. Maria chimed in 14 points and 5 assists.

The Knights will face the winner of the Southern Division finals between the Basilan Steel and the Davao Occidental Tigers, whose own winner-take-all Game 3 got postponed to March 17 due to positive coronavirus results.

The Scores

San Juan 131 – Wilson 22, Clarito 20, Wamar 14, Ayonayon 10, Gabawan 9, Pelayo 9, Rodriguez 8, Buñag 8, Ubalde 8, Aquino 6, Isit 5, Reyes 4, Marquez 4, Estrella 2, Tajonera 2.

Makati 54 – Asoro 21, Sta. Maria 14, Carlos 9, Morales 6, Lloren 4. 

Quarters: 38-11, 64-17, 94-36, 131-54.

– Rappler.com