Knights stun Warriors late as Torres, Abadiano deliver in clutch

The San Juan Knights leaned on late-game heroics from Reyland Torres and Gerry Abadiano to edge the Gensan Warriors, 81-79, on Friday at the STRIKE Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite, moving into a share of first place in the 2026 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season.

Abadiano calmly drained two free throws with 10.99 seconds left, providing the winning margin after Mark Cruz tied the contest for Gensan at 79-all on a driving layup with 29.6 seconds remaining.

The game-clinching foul shots capped a strong fourth-quarter rally led by Torres, who poured in 10 of his 13 points in the final period.

San Juan improved to 13-1, drawing level with defending champion Abra Solid North atop the North Division. The Knights and Weavers now sit ahead of Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (14-2) and the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, who boosted their record to 11-6 after escaping Bataan, 80-76, in the second game.

Torres earned Best Player of the Game honors with 13 points and four rebounds, narrowly edging teammates Dexter Maiquez, who posted 16 points and nine rebounds, and Michael Calisaan, who chipped in 12 points and four boards.

"I challenged myself to do well," said Torres, a fellow former University of the Philippines standout alongside Abadiano. "We were able to overcome the physicality of Gensan."

Abadiano, who is set to begin his stint in the Korean Basketball League, finished with nine points, two rebounds, and two assists. Orlan Wamar added nine points, seven assists, and four rebounds as the Knights prevailed despite the absence of Michael Phillips, who recently represented Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Gensan had two chances to steal the victory in the closing seconds, but Cruz and Val Acuña both misfired from beyond the arc, dropping the Warriors to 14-3. The defeat pushed them from solo first into a tie with Cebu for third place in the South Division behind Batangas (13-2) and Quezon Province (10-2).

Cruz led the Warriors with 13 points, while Anton Eusebio and Joshua Fontanilla contributed 12 points each.

Earlier, the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys survived a late Bataan comeback to claim an 80-76 victory.

After the Risers cut an 11-point deficit to just one, 77-76, Robby Celiz iced the game by converting three free throws in the closing moments.

Celiz finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Arth Dela Cruz powered the Cowboys with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double to go along with three assists. Jayboy Solis added 12 points, three rebounds, and two blocks.

Bataan slipped to 6-10 despite 11-point performances from Carl Bringas and Yves Sazon, while Chris Javier and Alfred Flores also scored 10 points apiece.

The tournament continues Saturday at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra, where Quezon City faces Quezon Province at 3 p.m. before host Abra Solid North battles Rizal XentroMall at 6 p.m. The Weavers will also receive their 2025 MPBL championship rings during a ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m.