The Bacoor Strikers scored a 79-68 win over the Iloilo United Royals last Thursday in the 2019-2020 Iloilo United Royals-Lakan Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City, Laguna.
With the score tied at 59-all with over seven minutes left, Bacoor went on a rampage behind Michael Mabulac, Nick Demusis, Gab Banal, and Ian Melencio to establish a 66-61 edge. Despite Iloilo making their final push, narrowing their deficit to 71-68, back-to-back three point conversions from Banal and Melencio, along with a basket from Mark Montuano, gave the Strikers their largest lead of 11 points.
Mark Pangilinan led Bacoor with 16 points, including four triples; while Banal scored 11; and Mabulac added 10.
“Our players could have easily said that we have number two locked-in so we could have an easy night off but there are no nights off to build championship habits,” said Strikers head coach Chris Gavina.
Despite the loss, Al Francis Tamsi tallied 18 points, four rebounds, and three dimes for Iloilo./ASC, WDJ