An Aaron Jeruta game-winner secured a 60-58 win for the Iloilo United Royals over Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines last Saturday in the ongoing 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup at the University of San Agustin gym in Iloilo City. Jeruta, a native of Iloilo City’s Jaro district, finished with five points, seven rebounds, and four assists; while Al Francis Tamsi top-scored with 17 points; Rey Publico chipped in with 14 markers and nine boards; and Richard Escoto contributed 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Down 51-43 in the third period, Iloilo made their move in the fourth with an inside hit from Escoto, along with three-pointers by Tamsi and Ryan Arambulo, to take a slim 53-52 lead. Subsequently both teams appeared to struggle with offense until the Royals widened their advantage slightly to 58-56 off a free throw and a basket by Publico.
Zamboanga went on to tie the game up at 58-58 following a basket from Leonard Santillan; however, Jeruta responded by draining a tough layup with 12 seconds to put Iloilo up 60-58.
Despite the loss, Santillan finished the match with 15 points for Zamboanga; while Alvin Pasaol chipped in 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists./ASC, WDJ