Minus coach, San Juan trips Davao to near title

A night that started with plenty of uncertainty ended in triumph for the San Juan Knights, who are now just one win away from the MPBL Datu Cup National title.

The Knights survived the absence of head coach Randy Alcantara and the strong start from the Davao Occidental Tigers for a 67-62 win in Game 3 on Tuesday night at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Mike Ayonayon finished with 15 points, but it was unheralded forward Johnard Clarito who delivered down the stretch as the Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

Clarito finished with 12 points, including a crucial putback with a minute left. The extra possessions that he gifted his team proved key with 12 of his 18 rebounds coming off the offensive glass.