The Iloilo United Royals scored a 73-67 win over Valenzuela Classic last Monday in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
Richard Escoto led the win with 20 points, including four three-point baskets; while Al Francis Tamsi contributed 18 markers.
Iloilo surged to a 13-4 start on three-pointers by Escoto and Tamsi but Valenzuela replied with a second quarter run and narrowed the gap to 33-30 at the half. Iloilo then regained their form in the third with a 48-37 edge on shots from Tamsi, John Mahari, and Michael Javelosa before widening the lead further to 69-51 on a Donald Gumaru triple.
Valenzuela made their final push and cut their deficit to 71-64 with under a minute remaining but two free throws by Escoto iced the win for Iloilo.
The victory is a huge boost for Iloilo ahead of their first-ever MPBL home game against the Pasay Voyagers on September 19 at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City./ASC, WDJ