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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider San Juan dumps Imus, secures top 4 in playoffs

San Juan dumps Imus, secures top 4 in playoffs

Published Aug 16, 2026 10:02 am

At A Glance

  • The San Juan Knights toyed with the Imus Yangkees, 120-77, on Saturday, Aug. 15, to secure a top-four finish in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season round-robin elimination phase at the Pasay Astrodome.
James Kwekuteye celebrates his birthday by leading San Juan past Imus.
James Kwekuteye celebrates his birthday by leading San Juan past Imus.

The San Juan Knights toyed with the Imus Yangkees, 120-77, on Saturday, Aug. 15, to secure a top-four finish in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season round-robin elimination phase at the Pasay Astrodome.

With all 15 Knights, headed by James Kwekuteye, scoring, San Juan led as far as 102-51 in securing its 17th win against two losses and tightening its grip of the second spot behind Abra Solid North (19-1) in the North division of the 26-team tournament. The top four finishers will have the homecourt advantage in the quarterfinal playoffs.

Kwekuteye celebrated his 28th birthday by scoring 44 points, spiked with 7 triples, 3 assists and 2 rebounds, followed by Patrick Sleat with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and Harold Alarcon, with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

The 6-foot-2 Kwekuteye, a former star of the San Beda Red Lions, was chosen the SportsPlus best player after leading the Knights to their third straight lopsided win after losing to the Quezon Huskers, 71-78, on July 30.

"T was injured a month ago, and now I'm here (best player)," said Kwekuteye.

Other Knights who shone were Reyland Torres with 12 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds, and Michael Calisaan with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

With Kwekuteye pumping in 12 points, the Knights surged ahead, 53-29, at halftime and never let up to pull Imus down to 3-17.

Imus drew 20 points from Ian Pardo, 17 from Harold Lomlong, and 12 from homegrown Patrick Dale Beltran.

The tournament visits the Malolos Convention Center on Monday, featuring games between Zamboanga and Manila at 3 p.m., Cebu and Meycauayan at 5 p.m., and Gensan and Bulacan at 7 p.m.

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