San Pedro, formerly known as Kyusi, appeared to be reinvigorated right after moving its franchise.
The wards of Pablo Escobets repulsed the challenge of an equally gritty side of 1Munti before scoring a 75-71 win in the PSL President’s Cup Tuesday night at the Paco Arena.
Barely a year removed playing from the Philippine Basketball Association, the 6-foot-5 Javier quickly made an impact for his new team, San Pedro.
Javier finished with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field as he displayed his variety of offensive arsenals.
“I’m just trying to fit in. Ako yung naga-adjust talaga kung ano man yung system and as a professional, I take it, kung ano yung system, I follow it,” said Javier.
But while Javier has been a consistent fixture all game long, Pablo Escobets needed a crucial putback from hardworking Felix Apreku in the last 55 seconds that gave his team some cushion, 74-68.
It was the seventh win in 12 games for San Pedro, the same record being carried by 1Munti, which was relegated to eighth spot.
1Munti gamely fought all the way, but surprisingly missed the usual productive performance from John Cantimbuhan.
The do-it-all guard has been averaging 17 points per game, but was reduced to only four by the defense of Pablo Escobets.
