By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife overcame a jittery start to defeat Bacolod City of Smiles, 80-73, in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Bataan People’s Center on Saturday night, June 24.
Justine Sanchez finished with double-double 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Winston Ynot contributed 16 markers as the United Royals ended their five-game losing skid to improve to 6-10.
Behind by 13 points at 14-27 early in the second frame, the United Royals relied on Ryan Arambulo and Sanchez to cut the deficit to 23-29 before pulling even closer at 39-41 at the half with consecutive shots from Edsel Mag-isa.
The United Royals finally took the lead at 53-50 midway in the third period on successive points from Ynot before widening it to 60-54 after two free throw conversions from Arambulo.
Bacolod City were still hanging around at 68-70 halfway in the final quarter, but a three-pointer by Joshua Flores, two free throws by JR Ongteco and a basket from Sanchez allowed Iloilo to pull away at 78-68 with over a minute left in the game.
Domark Matillano finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, while John Cantimbuhan and Coy Alves added 13 and 10 markers, respectively, as Bacolod City dropped to 6-10 with the loss.
Iloilo will aim for its second straight when they battle fellow Western Visayas-based team Negros Pau Muscovados on June 30, while Bacolod City will try to bounce back against Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers on July 1.
Meanwhile, the Muscovados suffered their second consecutive defeat after being walloped by defending champions Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, 94-72, at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.
Sherwin Concepcion tallied 14 points, including two triples, to go with seven rebounds, while Stephen Siruma added 11 markers as the Rice Vanguards improved to a 14-1 win-loss slate.
Jun Manzo tallied 19 markers to go with four assists and two rebounds, while Bernie Bregondo chipped in 14 points as the Muscovados suffered their 11th defeat in 16 matches.
ILOILO 80 — Sanchez 20, Ynot 16, Flores 8, Ongteco 7, Sumido 7, Arambulo 6, Armenion 6, Mag-isa 4, Catapusan 2, Navarro 2, Larupay 2, Madrigal 0, Guion 0, Basco 0.
BACOLOD 73 — Matillano 20, Cantimbuhan 13, Alves 10, Basibas 9, Koga 9, Chauca 9, Alano 4, Menguez 3, Sedillo 0, Stevens 0, Sarangay 0.
Quarterscores: 14-26, 39-41, 62-58, 80-73./ASC, WDJ