San Juan formally secured the first semifinals berth in the PSL President’s Cup after surviving a late rally posted by SGA-St. Benilde, 85-77, but will have to wait for its next opponent after Davao Occidental stalled Nueva Ecija’s entry to the Final Four following a gripping 90-86 victory Saturday night at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre late Saturday night.
The Kings dominated the Blazers for the most part of the match as they displayed aggressiveness on attacking the interior.
San Juan produced 52 points inside the shaded lane, 20 points more than its counterpart.
Leading the Kings’ charge was Orlan Wamar, who knocked in 16 points and dished out five assists.
Wamar was also the catalyst of San Juan’s defense in the backcourt that mostly forced St. Benilde to commit its total 17 turnovers.
Those 17 miscues were translated by San Juan to 20 points.
Zach Huang and Agem Miranda contributed 11 points apiece for the Kings, who apso had 17 second chance points compared to only eight generated by the Blazers.
“Tiningnan namin talaga kung saan kami may advantage, at yun rin ang turo ni Coach (Jinggoy Estrada),” said Wamar.
Senator Estrada is happy to see his team, becoming the first squad to reach the Final Four, but they will prepare hard against the winner of the Davao Occidental-Nueva Ecija encounter.
“I feel very elated and happy. Nagawa ng mga players ang dapat gawin,” said Senator Estrada. “Ang sabi ko naman, sana lumaban tayo sa finals. I’m eager to watch the rematch of Davao and Nueva Ecija and I’m going to await the result of their game.”
