Coach-less Knights fancied over Eagles

The Andok’s San Juan Knights try to redeem themselves from a forgettable game last week that drew heavy fines and stern warning from the MBA chief as they play the Davao Eagles today in the first phase of the MBA season at the San Juan Gym.

Gametime is at 5:30 p.m. with the Knights, despite the absence of their suspended coach Philip Cezar, favored over the winless Eagles, whom they routed, 140-95, in the first meeting last June 17.

Tied with idle LBC Batangas at third place with 3-2 slates, San Juan will gain on pacesetters Negros and Cebuana Lhuillier if it repeats over Davao.

Cezar was slapped a two-game suspension and drew a P30,000 fine in the aftermath of the Knights’ fouling spree against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems last June 15. MBA commissioner Ogie Narvasa likewise warned the Knights that a repetition of the offense might lead to the banishment of the team from the community-based league.

Assistant coach Allan Borromeo has been tasked to handle the Knights, the reigning national titlists, against Davao mentor Jun Noel.

Led by Rafi Reavis and Omanzie Rodriguez, the Knights enjoy the height and heft advantage over the Eagles, who suffered their fourth straight defeat at the hands of the Nueva Ecija Patriots on Friday. — Joey Villar