MANILA – Coming of an early offensive struggle, the Iloilo United Royals pulled of a convincing 96-86 win over Sarangani Province Marlins in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup on Jan. 30 at the Malolos Sports Convention in Malolos, Bulacan.
It was Richard Escoto’s 24 points, Donald Gumaru’s 18 markers on six three-point conversions, and Al Francis Tamsi’s 11 marks that established the Royals with an 18-11 win-loss record.
Despite posting the win that formalized Iloilo’s entry into the playoffs, their head coach Eric Gonzales was however disappointed with his wards for exhibiting complacency against the cellar-dwelling Sarangani.
“Hindi ako masaya eh. Masyado kaming complacent, hindi dahil nasa bottom sila [Sarangani], ang tinitignan ko is ‘yung team saka individual effort eh,” lamented Gonzales.
The Royals attempted to put the game away several times after they established a lead as high as 12 points, but the Marlins countered with a furious run to cut the lead to 83-89 with less than two minutes remaining.
Escoto then absorbed a foul from Excell Nocos and drained two free throws to extend the Royal’s advantage to eight points before Ilonggo Michael Javelosa put the game away for good for Iloilo via a three-pointer with 21.3 seconds left.
Orin Catacutan spearheaded the 1-27 Sarangani with 22 points, four rebounds, and three steals, Miko Eatrellante finished with 13 points, while Soriano had 10 markers./PN
