By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife was dealt with another blow in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after a 92-79 beating by Parañaque Patriots at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex on Tuesday, March 21.
The returning Iloilo City-based ball club failed to keep in step with the aggressive Patriots to suffer their second consecutive defeat in as many matches in the year-long tournament.
The Patriots jumped to a 17-8 start in the match behind early hits from Jemal Vizcarra, Mark Omega and Jeff Egan. The Ilonggos cut it to 16-20 via baskets from Omar Larupay and Jhon Rey Sumido, but Parañaque pulled away anew at 26-18 to close the quarter.
The Royals opened the second period with a furious run capped by two triples by Noah Korovesi to cut the deficit to 34-35, but the Patriots relied on six straight points by John Uduba to increase the lead to 48-37 at the half.
Parañaque widened the advantage to 57-43 in the third quarter via baskets from Uduba and Paolo Castro. Iloilo rallied to within 10 points but late conversions from the Patriots gave them a 70-56 advantage.
The Patriots went on to build their largest lead at 80-58 at the start of the final quarter on back-to-back hits by Uduba. Iloilo made its last run but only managed to cut the deficit to within 13.
Uduba was hailed as the Player of the Game after tallying 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block as the Patriots recovered from their opening day loss to a 1-1 slate.
Castro led the way for the Parañaque-based squad with 20 points, including a three-point hit, while Egan also contributed double-digit offense with 10 markers, three rebounds and two assists.
Lee and Genmar Bragais led the way with 15 markers apiece, Larupay chipped in double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Aldeo Lucero had 10 markers for the United Royals.
The United Royals will have a chance to notch their first victory of the season when they battle Batangas City Embassy Chill on Monday, March 27 at 8:00 p.m. at the Batangas City Coliseum.
PARAÑAQUE 92 — Castro 20, Uduba 15, Egan 10, Llagas 9, Omega 8, Vizcarra 7, Razon 5, Singh 5, Abugan 4, Pido 4, Junsay 2, Solis 2, Saguiguit 1, Rabe 0, Begaso 0.
ILOILO 79 — Bragais 15, Lee 15, Larupay 14, Lucero 10, Sumido 6, Korovesi 6, Basco 3, Mabayo 3, Joven 2, Guion 2, Flores 2, Pingoy 1, Gonzales 0, Olivares 0, Arambulo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 48-37, 70-56, 92-79./ASC, WDJ