MPBL PLAYOFFS

IT’S sad day for Pangasinan in the basketball front.

The Pangasinan Heatwaves suffered an excruciating loss in the hands of San Juan Knights to knot the series at one-all, 66-83 during Game 2 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) North Division Semifinals last November 7 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

In the first period, Allyn Bulanadi went on a roll after tallying seven points off his transition layups for Pangasinan, but San Juan quickly countered with its three-point shooting as Orlan Wamar, Arvin Gamboa, and Ron Dennisson connived for six  triples and logged in two conversions each, to gain a cushion, 22-17.

Reeling-off the second frame, Heatwaves’ Vic Manuel picked up the scoring cudgels with five points to spark Pangasinan’s offense. In return, San Juan’s backcourt Orlan Wamar and Nikko Panganiban continued to make shots from deep and converted for 10 points to extend the advantage at twin digits, 39-28.

Underway in the second half action, San Juan showcased its strong interior defense, limiting Pangasinan to seven points in the quarter against the 30-point scoring barrage of the Knights led by Orlan Wamar with seven markers.

The Heatwaves tried to make a break in the fourth courtesy of Michael Mabulac’s 10-point cluster, but the Knights never looked back and surged ahead,  courtesy of their own 10-point spurt to secure the win.

Orlan Wamar lifted San Juan with 24 points and four rebounds alongside the 12 points and four rebounds of JC Cullar.

For Pangasinan, Allyn Bulanadi delivered 11 points, three rebounds, and four steals,  followed by 10 points and five rebounds of JP Maguliano plus the 10-point output of Michael Mabulac.

Pangasinan will gear up for a decider on the road against San Juan slated on November 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. (Kim Gealogo)