MANILA – Iloilo United Royals stretched its winning run to five games via a 90-63 manhandling of the Caloocan Supremos in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Richard Escoto continued his fine play with 19 points and eight rebounds on Tuesday night while Al Francis Tamsi and Ray Publico added 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Royals improved to 14-8.
Caloocan set the tone early in the game, building a 21-17 advantage. But the Ilonggos kept the match close in the second period; they came to within 37-38 at the half.
The Royals turned things around in the third period. Outside hits by Escoto and Tamsi allowed them to build a 56-40 edge.
Caloocan tried to rally back but a triple by Donald Gumaru restored order for the Ilonggos.
The Royals went for the kill in the fourth quarter. Escoto, Publico and Tamsi made their baskets en route to establishing the team’s largest lead of the match at 27 points.
Meanwhile, as the Supremos dropped to 14-10 win-loss record Ranbill Tongco tallied 12 points, while Danny Marilao and John Ambulodto added 11 and 10 markers, respectively./PN
