Knights claim MBA crown

In the end, multi-colored confetti and balloons rained on the San Juan Knights as they crushed the Negros Slashers’ bid to capture the MBA National Championship last night.

Six days after they were pelted with debris by the Negros’ crowd at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, the Knights returned home where they completed their conquest of the Slashers to gain the national crown only in their second year in the league.

The Knights finished off the Slashers, 104-91, and erupted into a frenzied celebration with their own throngs under rains of confetti and balloons at the San Juan Gym.

The Knights won the best-of-seven national series at 4-2 following earlier victories in Games One and Two also at home and in Game Five marred by debris-pelting incident in the Negros’ turf.

"Pinatunayan ng mga players ko na talagang kapag nagsama-sama, may patutunguhan ka," said San Juan coach Philip Cezar.

"Bonel Balingit played a great game. Pero hindi lang siya ang susi dito. Malaki ang tulong ng mga teammates niya kaya nakuha namin ang championship," Cezar added.

True enough, the Knights dished out one helluva game together as they foiled the Slashers’ bid to send the series to a deciding Game Seven.

Negros put up a tough stand despite a crippled lineup but San Juan would never be denied of the win.

San Juan survived Negros’ repeated rallies with the Knights winning by a big margin in the end as Balingit, Chris Calaguio and Bruce Dacia provided a big finishing kick.

The Slashers moved within a basket at 89-91 with time down to 2:21 before Balingit, Calaguio and Dacia delivered crucial points for the Knights again.

Balingit wound up with a double-double game with 19 rebounds and 17 points with Dacia, Calaguio and Rafi Reavies adding 14 points apiece.

Romy dela Rosa and Dennis Madrid carried the fight for the Slashers as they missed the services of the ailing Maoi Huelar, Rey Hugnatan and Alvin Teng.

The Knights put up a good defensive job on Negros ace Johnedel Cardel.

With Balingit, Reavies and Omanzie Rodriguez imposing their strength underneath, the Knights dominated the boards with 61 rebounds to the Slashers’ 41.