Stars, Knights in Crucial tiffs

Manila’s road to redemption in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is right on track, but the shadow of its conqueror last season, San Juan, continues to loom large as the two contenders resume their bids in the Chooks-To-Go MPBL Lakan Season on Monday.

The Stars open the year on their home floor, taking on the lowly Rizal Golden Coolers, but they will also have one eye on the San Juan-Navotas duel in the earlier game at

San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

With San Juan (20-3) and Manila (20-4) at 1-2 in the tough North division, every result counts as they jockey for top position, which will mean home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

That home-court edge proved crucial for the Knights last season when they beat the Stars in the deciding game at home in the North finals.

“Every game is a must-win now because we’re chasing the No. 1 ranking,” said Manila coach Tino Pinat, who will rely on PBA Draftees Aris Dionisio and Chris Bitoon and former PBA players Gabby Espinas, Carlo Lastimosa and Ronnie Matias. INQ