MANILA – Mark Nonoy had a decent professional debut as Iloilo United Royals scored a dominant 85-67 victory over Bacolod City of Smiles in the 2024 MPBL Season on Tuesday night at the Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas City.
The former De La Salle University Green Archers guard tallied 10 points, seven steals, six assists, and two rebounds to be named Player of the Game in Iloilo’s season-debut triumph.
Clint Doliguez and Ry de La Rosa top-scored for the Ilonggos with 15 points apiece, while Crispin John “CJ” Cansino struggled in his pro debut with five points, on 1-of-12 field goal shooting, to go with six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
The United Royals struggled with their points early as they trail 14-19 after the first quarter before mounting a run in the second frame behind De La Rosa, Nonoy and Gwynne Capacio to take a 41-36 halftime lead.
De La Rosa continued with his outside shooting in the third quarter, while Nonoy, Doliguez, and Jason Credo also got their three-pointers to fall as the lead grew to 66-49.
Bacolod City threatened to claw their way back in the final quarter as they cut the deficit to 13 points, but Iloilo responded with connections from JR Ongteco and Young JV Kapunan to establish an 85-66 advantage.
“It was a good win to start the season, although there are still some struggles in terms of chemistry, but I am optimistic that it will be fixed as the season goes along,” said Iloilo playing team manager Jay Javelosa.
Danny Marilao top-scored for Bacolod City with 15 points, Nichole Ubalde chipped in a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Salvador Galit ended with 10 markers.
The defeat also dampened the head coaching debut of former PBA cager Alex Cabagnot, who was listed as the team’s playing head coach although he was not activated for the game.
The United Royals will aim for their second straight win against Batangas City Tanduay Rhum Masters on April 13 at the Batangas City Coliseum, while Bacolod City will try to bounce back on April 12 against 1Bataan Risers at the WES Arena in Valenzuela City./PN
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 85 – De La Rosa 15, Doliguez 15, Nonoy 10, Credo 9, Ongteco 8, Cansino 5, Berjay 4, Diaz 4, Capacio 4, Madrigal 3, Jeruta 2, Rangel 2, Gomez 2, Kapunan 2, Etrata 0.
BACOLOD 67 – Marilao 15, Ubalde 10, Galit 10, Sedillo 8, Peromingan 6, Canal 5, Espanola 3, Sabellina 2, Pastias 2, Solomon 2, Galicia 2, Manalang 2, Pardo 0, Partoza 0.
Quarterscores: 14-19, 41-36, 66-49, 85-67.
