EQUALIZER. Arnold Gamboa (1) defies two defenders to score an undergoal stab during the San Juan Knights' 74-66 victory over the host Palayan City Capitals at the Gapan City Gymnasium in Nueva Ecija on Sunday night (March 8, 2020). The Knight's win tied their Community Basketball Association (CBA) Executive Cup best-of-three championship series. (PNA photo by Jess Escaros)
GAPAN, Nueva Ecija – The San Juan Knights scored a 74-66 victory over the Palayan City Capitals in Game 2 of the Community Basketball Association (CBA) Executive Cup best-of-three championship series over the weekend at the Gapan City Gymnasium here.
The Knights, who lost 74-79 in Game 1 last week, waxed hot in the first quarter where they posted a 23-9 lead.
Ato Ular joined hands with Judel Fuentes and Arvin Gamboa to give San Juan a 44-25 advantage at halftime.
Palayan City held a 29-14 rally capped by Renz Alcoriza’s triple to move within 55-58 at the end of the third quarter. But the Capitals failed to keep their momentum while the Knights played steadier to clinch the win.
Adrian Nocum scored nine points while Noah Lugo added eight for San Juan, while Gilmer Dela Torre led Palayan City with 22 points and Levi dela Cruz added 10.
“Maagang nag-celebrate ang mga players. Akala nila champion na sila. Noong maunahan, nanggigil naming humabol, nawala na ang laro (We celebrated too early. They thought they are already champions. After squandering the lead, they tried to rally but they lost focus in the game),” said Palayan coach Alvin Grey.
Despite the loss, Grey is optimistic that his team can still recover and win the PHP1million cash prize at stake in the league headed by Carlo Maceda.
“We have to adjust at maibalik naming yung nilaro namin sa Game 1. Kakayanin pa naming yan (We have to adjust and bring the game we played in Game 1. We can do it),” Grey said.
Game 3 will be played on Sunday (March 15) at the venue to be announced by the organizers this week. (PNA)
