The San Juan Knights defused the Mindoro Tamaraws’ last bombs and prevailed 77-72 on Thursday to climb in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Coasting along, 71-60, with less than four minutes left, San Juan felt the heat as Mindoro drilled in four straight triples, the first by Jonas Tibayan and the rest by Wendelino Comboy, against the Knights’ four points and threatened at 72-75 with 43.6 seconds to go.

Dexter Maiquez, however, came to the rescue, grabbing the rebound following a missed jumper by Orlan Wamar and driving in with 16.5 ticks remaining to secure the Knights’ second straight win in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

The Tamaraws sued for time but failed to execute their final plays and tumbled to a 1-4 record.

Michael Calisaan, who towed San Juan to its biggest spread at 69-54, emerged best player with 17 points, including six in the fourth quarter, eight rebounds and two assists.

Other Knights who shone for Coach Alex Angeles were Maiquez with 15 points and seven rebounds, homegrown John Galinato with 14 points and three rebounds, and Wamar with 11 points, five assists and three rebounds.

Comboy delivered 18 points, all from triples, Tibayan 14 points, spiked by three triples, and RJ Ramirez 12 points, laced by two triples, for the Tamaraws, who are on a three-game skid.

Biñan Tatak Gel trounced Ilagan Isabela, 87-77, in the nightcap and climbed to 2-3.

Powered by Kenney Roger Rocacurva and Christian Fajarito, Biñan led by as many as 79-63 in notching its second win in five outings.

Rocacurva wound up with 17 points and 11 boards to clinch best player honors over Fajarito, who notched 15 points and two rebounds.

They were supported by Renzo Subido with 11 points and Kristan Hernandez with 10 points plus four rebounds. Carlo Lastimosa chipped in nine points.