Redemption for Mac Cardona as Knights rule MPBL Datu Cup

DAVAO CITY—Mac Mac Cardona couldn’t help but turn emotional as the final buzzer sounded at Rizal Memorial College Gym late Thursday night.

Not only did the San Juan Knights pull off a miraculous comeback for a thrilling 87-86 victory over the Davao Occidental Tigers for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup crown, the win capped a tumultuous past year for the former La Salle hotshot, who has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons.

Almost a year ago, Cardona was arrested on attempted homicide charges for stabbing a former live-in partner. He spent three nights in jail, putting in jeopardy his stint with the Knights. In 2016, Cardona tried to take his own life.

After much prodding from Knights coowner former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cardona promised to turn a new leaf.

The Knights rallied from seven points down in the last 3:43 with unheralded Jhonard Clarito scoring the last six points, including the game-winning layup with eight seconds remaining as San Juan completed a 3-2 series victory.

Cardona also took Mike Ayonayon under his wing during the postseason, mentoring the young hotshot, who exploded for 33 points in the deciding Game 5. Ayonayon was later named Finals MVP.

“This is probably the most important championship in my life considering what I’ve been through,” said Cardona, a two-time UAAP champion, who also won a title with TNT in the PBA.

“It was all about trust,” Cardona added. “I understand people will judge me. There will always be doubters. But they don’t know me. This is life. There will be ups and downs. Of course, the big goal was always a championship.”