By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Iloilo United Royals relied on a huge fourth quarter run to defeat Zamboanga City Family’s Brand Sardines, 86-80, in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the STRIKE Gym in Bacoor, Cavite on Tuesday night, July 11.
Trailing for most of the game, the United Royals turned things around in the fourth quarter with four straight points from Shaquille Imperial and a triple from Omar Larupay to take a 73-72 advantage.
The Ilonggos continued their run with an outside shot from Lorenzo Navarro and an inside hit from Larupay to widen the lead to 78-72 before Zamboanga threatened to within four on a basket by Jaycee Marcelino.
After another basket from Iloilo’s Jhon Rey Sumido, Zamboanga made their last push to cut the deficit to 78-81 on two free throws by Marcelino, but a layup by Navarro sealed the win for the United Royals.
Larupay, a native of Iloilo province’s Lambunao town, posted double-double 19 points and 17 rebounds to go with one assist and a block to be hailed as the Player of the Game for the United Royals.
“Nag-step up ako kasi wala na kaming big man sa team,” the former CenterPhil Montessori Silver Knights forward said.
“Lagi rin akong sinasabihan ni coach [MC Abolucion] na ibigay ko lang ang best ko kapag nasa court ako,” he said.
“Mahalaga rin para sa amin na manalo ng manalo sa mga remaining games namin para maibawi ‘yung mga previous losses namin at para umangat and makahabol kami sa top eight,” he added.
Navarro chipped in 14 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Imperial and Sumido had 14 and 13, respectively, for the Iloilo City-based squad, which recorded its second straight win for an 8-11 slate.
Dexter Maiquez finished with double-double 23 points and 12 rebounds, Judel Fuentes also had double-double 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Jayvee Marcelino and Jaycee Marcelino had 12 and 11, respectively, for Zamboanga City (14-4).
The United Royals will aim for their third consecutive victory when they face undefeated Pampanga City Giant Lanterns at Bren Z Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga on July 18 at 8:00 p.m.
ILOILO 86 — Larupay 19, Imperial 14, Navarro 14, Sumido 13, Flores 9, Catapusan 8, Arambulo 4, Nunez 2, Basco 2, Armenion 1, Madrigal 0, Guion 0.
ZAMBOANGA 80 — Maiquez 23, Fuentes 14, JV Marcelino 12, JC Marcelino 11, Santos 7, Mahari 5, Dumapig 2, Tabi 2, Grimaldo 2, Tansingco 2, Lasco 0, Caballero 0.
Quarterscores: 22-26, 41-47, 66-70, 86-80./ASC, WDJ