Iloilo survives Nueva Ecija in Maharlika caging

Rey Publico was hailed as the player of the match in Iloilo United Royals’ win over Nueva Ecija MiGuard. MPBL
Rey Publico was hailed as the player of the match in Iloilo United Royals’ win over Nueva Ecija MiGuard. MPBL

MANILA – Iloilo United Royals survived a late run by the Nueva Ecija MiGuard to escape with a 92-90 victory in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup on Wednesday night at the Olivares College Gymnasium in Paranaque City.

Holding to a 91-80 lead, the Royals suddenly saw its advantage trimmed to 90-91 but an offensive foul on MiGuard’s Jerwin Gaco and a split free throw by Royals’ Aaron Jeruta iced the victory for the Ilonggos.

Richard Escoto top-scored with 18 points to go along with seven rebounds, Rey Publico and Donald Gumaru submitted 16 and 11 markers, respectively, as the Royals improve to 3-1 win-loss slate.

The Royals surged to an 18-8 start with baskets from Publico and Jessiery Pedrosa for a 27-17 edge. The MiGuard attempted to come close in the second period but the Royals came up with hits from Escoto for a 50-40 halftime edge.

The Royals were still dominant in the third canto as the lead reached its largest at 65-47 after a triple by Escoto. MiGuard answered with its rally to trim the deficit to 78-63 heading into the fourth.

The MiGuard pulled even closer in the fourth period at 77-83 but back-to-back hits from Al Francis Tamsi and conversions from Escoto and Rodel de Leon increased the Ilonggos lead to 91-80.

John Paul Sarao and Jerwin Gaco had 17 points each, while Ricardo Cawaling and Marlon Monte added 13 and 11 markers, respectively, for the MiGuard, which dropped to 1-4./PN

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