Knights survive Darkhorse in overtime, stay close behind Weavers in MPBL race

The San Juan Knights extended their winning streak to 14 games after surviving the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 124-112, in overtime on Thursday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at Paco Arena in Manila.

Orlan Wamar took over in the extra period, scoring 10 of his 25 points, including three three-pointers, to lift the Knights to a 15-1 record and keep them within reach of North Division leader Abra Solid North (16-1).

The former UAAP standout finished with eight triples, six rebounds, and five assists, while Patrick Sleat added 23 points, six assists, and two rebounds before fouling out at the end of regulation.

"We didn't expect the game to be this tight," Wamar said after hitting the game-tying three-pointer that forced overtime, tying the score at 108 with 19.9 seconds left in regulation. "There are many lapses and we need to adjust in our practices."

Dexter Maiquez contributed 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Korean Basketball League-bound Gerry Abadiano added 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Royce Alforque and Terrence Fortea each scored 11 points, with Alforque also recording seven rebounds and four assists.

Valenzuela dropped to 9-11 despite a balanced offensive effort led by CJ Alattica, who posted 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Shaq Alanes finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while JR Olegario added 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Angelo Obuyes scored 16 points, and Jay Collado contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

In the second game, Zamboanga Sikat edged Quezon City, 85-84, to improve to 7-11 and keep its playoff hopes alive.

Levi Hernandez sparked the deciding run with an and-one play and a three-pointer, while Paeng Are added two straight baskets to help Zamboanga build an 82-75 lead with 2:32 remaining.

Brandon Wilson led Zamboanga with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Hernandez finished with 15 points and six rebounds, Joseph Gabayni contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Jayson Puray added 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Forthsky Padrigao split two free throws to make it 85-81 before Pat Buena knocked down a three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left for the final score.

Quezon City fell to 8-10 despite Buena’s 17 points, Kobe Monje’s 15 points, Jake Agoncillo’s 11 points, and Ryan Costelo’s 10 points.

The MPBL resumes Friday at the Batangas City Coliseum, with Biñan facing Ilagan Isabela at 3 p.m., Caloocan battling Basilan at 5 p.m., and host Batangas taking on Rizal at 7 p.m.