By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Shaquille Imperial delivered an all-around performance as the Iloilo United Royals got back on the winning track with a 95-82 triumph over the Imus Agimat VA Drones in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan over the weekend.
Imperial tallied 20 points, mostly in the second half, to go with seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals as the United Royals halted a three-game slide for a 3-7 win-loss slate.
Ilonggo Clint Doliguez came off the bench to tally 19 markers, while Negrense Mark Nonoy and Crispin John “CJ” Cansino ended with 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the United Royals.
The United Royals set the tone early as they took a 25-17 first quarter lead, but the Agimat responded with a 28-12 blast in the second quarter to take a 45-37 halftime lead.
The Iloilo City-based dribblers turned things around in the third quarter, with Imperial, Cansino and Nonoy conniving on offense as they surged to a 64-59 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, it was the turn of Doliguez to contribute for the United Royals, as his successive baskets allowed them to establish the biggest lead at 92-77 on two free throws by Nonoy.
“The team could have done better, especially in the second quarter, but a win is a win,” United Royals playing team manager Jay Javelosa said.
“[I] hope this can start a good run for June,” he added.
Luis Tapenio finished with a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Mikko Gimpayan and Junar Punzalan contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, as the Agimat dropped to 0-11.
Meanwhile, the Quezon Huskers maintained their unbeaten record after a close 73-62 win over the Negros Muscovados at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.
Bacolodnon Rodel Gravera finished with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds in a rare start, earning the Player of the Game honors as the Huskers secured their ninth win in as many games./ASC, WDJ
ILOILO 95 — Imperial 20, Doliguez 19, Nonoy 17, Cansino 16, Rangel 7, Catapusan 5, Berjay 3, Credo 3, Madrigal 2, Diaz 2, Javelosa 1, Dela Rosa 0, Capacio 0, Gomez 0, Kapunan 0.
IMUS 82 — Tapenio 26, Gimpayan 12, Punzalan 11, Gonzales 8, Sumido 6, Enriquez 5, Camacho 5, Nicodemus 3, Kadir 2, Malimban 2, Luengo 1, Aniban 1.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 37-45, 64-59, 95-82.