The Iloilo United Royals continued their ascension in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League after their recent 73-69 overtime victory over Imus Khaleb Shawarma at the Marist School in Marikina City.
Richard Escoto had another solid outing for Iloilo with 20 points and nine rebounds; while Jerson Prado, Rey Publico, and Al Francis Tamsi added 11 markers apiece.
Imus had the advantage after three quarters and seemed headed for victory after building a 64-57 lead with just over four minutes left following a basket from Anthony Helterbrand. However, a three-point play by Prado and triple from Escoto pushed the Royals to within 64-63 before the latter tied the score with a split free throw. The Ilonggo side then had a chance to win but Escoto misfired his attempt.
Into overtime, Iloilo jumped to a 70-66 lead after a triple by Escoto and free throws from Ilonggo point guard Aaron Jeruta. Imus managed to cut the deficit to one but a basket from Jeruta sealed the win.
While Justin Arana finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, Rama Morales added 12 markers, and Helterbrand and Jeric Nacpil each finished with 10 points for Imus, actor Gerald Anderson also suited up for Imus but ended up scoreless./ASC, WDJ