Knights dominate Royals by 42, stretch winning run to four

The San Juan Knights overwhelmed the Iloilo United Royals, 102-60, on Friday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, strengthening their push toward the top of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season standings.

With an 83-52 cushion entering the final stretch, the Knights erupted with a 13-point run sparked by back-to-back triples from James Kwekuteye, Raul Soyud, and Reyland Torres, sealing their fourth consecutive win and improving to 6-1 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team tournament.

San Juan remains behind unbeaten teams Caloocan Batang Kankaloo and Gensan Warriors, both sporting 8-0 records, along with the Quezon Huskers at 5-0. The Knights, meanwhile, continue to hold an edge over the Abra Solid North Weavers (5-1) in the playoff race.

The Knights put on a shooting clinic from long range, converting 25 of 53 attempts from three-point territory for a solid 47.2 percent. Iloilo, on the other hand, struggled offensively from deep, connecting on only 9 of 30 shots for a 30-percent rate.

AC Soberano knocked down five three-pointers to tally 15 points and four rebounds, earning Best Player of the Game honors ahead of Reyland Torres, who finished with 17 points built on five triples.

Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea chipped in 12 points each for San Juan, while Mike Philipps and Patric Sleat contributed nine markers apiece, highlighted by thunderous one-handed slams.

The United Royals absorbed their fifth straight defeat and slipped to 1-8 despite strong efforts from Kobe Bryant Pableo, who posted 20 points and 10 rebounds, Kyt Jimenez with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, and Richard Velchez with 11 points and nine rebounds.

MPBL action continues Saturday at the One Arena in Cainta with Caloocan facing Ilagan Isabela at 4 p.m., Zamboanga taking on Abra at 6 p.m., and Valenzuela battling Quezon Province at 8 p.m.