By Adrian Stewart Co

The Iloilo United Royals fell short in their recent attempt at a comeback against the Quezon City Capitals in ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup. The Ilonggo side lost 84-80 at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga.
Both teams exchanged leads early in the game with the Quezon City carrying a narrow 27-25 advantage after the first 10 minutes. After the second period, they extended they lead to a 45-39 halftime edge.
Quezon City seemed headed for a lopsided win after establishing an 80-63 edge but Iloilo mounted a huge run in the fourth and got as close as 82-80 off a basket from by Russel Escoto. However, Quezon City’s Clark Derige sealed the win with a basket.
John Tayongtong led the win with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals; while Tonino Gonzaga added 13 markers.
For Iloilo, Escoto topscored with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals; as Samboy de Leon added 17 points, nine boards, and four dimes./ASC, WDJ