By Adrian Stewart Co

The Iloilo United Royals wasted a double-digit lead but managed to pull off a 77-74 win last Sunday over the Bicol Volcanoes in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legaspi City, Albay.
Richard Escoto broke his scoring slump with 21 points, along with eight rebounds and two assists; while Rodel de Leon added 17 markers and eight boards; Cedric de Joya finished with 12 points; and Al Francis Tamsi added nine.
The Royals surged to a 19-11 edge in the opening period with de Leon and Tamsi spearheading the offense. Their lead further grew to 44-33 at the half with de Joya getting his outside shots going.
The Royals went on to build its largest lead in the third at 51-38 after a three-pointer by Donald Gumaru but the Volcanoes slowly chipped away at the deficit to narrow the gap to 60-54.
The Volcanoes pulled even closer in the fourth and were able to come to as close as 75-74 after a Jonathan Aldave triple but split free throws by Escoto and de Leon iced the win for the Royals./ASC, WDJ