By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Jeff Comia knocked down timely hits in the fourth quarter as the Negros Muscovados prevailed over the Iloilo United Royals, 72-66, in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga on Monday night, May 20.
After leading by as much as 23 points early in the game, the Muscovados saw their lead cut to nine points at 49-58, but Comia answered with consecutive baskets to extend the lead to 68-55.
However, Iloilo made another run via three straight baskets by Gwynne Capacio and a free throw by Jason Credo to threaten to within 62-68, but Negros pulled away anew at 71-62 on a triple by Jeremy Cruz.
The United Royals made their last push with back-to-back scores from Shaquille Imperial and Capacio, but they could only cut the Muscovados’ lead to as low as six points.
Comia came off-the-bench to deliver 11 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and a steal to be named Player of the Game as the Muscovados improved to a 4-5 win-loss slate.
“Medyo nag-a-adjust pa kami sa role namin sa team since may mga players na hindi available due to injuries,” Comia said.
“Slowly naman, mas nakaka-adapt na kami,” he said.
“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga teammates ko kasi nag-step up talaga sila sa larong ito para matapos na itong five-game losing skid namin,” he added.
Cruz led the way for the Muscovados with 15 points, including four three-point connections, while Hubert Cani contributed 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Capacio top-scored for the slumping United Royals with 14 points, Imperial added 13 markers, while Mark Nonoy and CJ Cansino tallied 12 and 11, respectively.
They dropped to 2-6.
The Muscovados will attempt their second straight win against the San Juan-Go for Gold Kings on May 27, while the United Royals will try to bounce back versus the Quezon City TODA Aksyon on Saturday, May 25./ASC, WDJ
NEGROS 72 — Cruz 15, Comia 11, Cani 10, Geolingo 9, Palma 8, Una 5, Ramos 5, Capobres 4, Longa 3, Atabay 2, Bacay 0.
ILOILO 66 — Capacio 14, Imperial 13, Nonoy 12, Cansino 11, Diaz 5, Catapusan 4, Berjay 2, Doliguez 2, Credo 2, Javelosa 1, Dela Rosa 0, Etrata 0, Rangel 0.
Quarterscores: 14-10, 46-27, 58-47, 72-66.