MANILA – Iloilo United Royals fell short of its fight back to suffer a close 84-80 defeat to Quezon City Capitals in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup on Saturday at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga.
Down by as much as 17 points, the Royals mounted a huge fight back to come to as close as 80-82 on a basket by Russel Escoto but a basket by Capitals’ Clark Derige sealed the win for them.
John Tayongtong led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Tonino Gonzaga added 13 markers as the Capitals evened its win-loss slate at 2-2.
Jomar Santos also made huge contributions for the Capitals with 12 points and eight boards, while Ramon Mabayo got 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Both teams exchanged leads early in the game with the Capitals slightly ahead at 27-25 after the first 10 minutes before they created distance in the second period for a 45-39 halftime edge.
The Capitals seemed headed to a lopsided win in the second half after establishing an 80-63 edge in the fourth period but the Royals mounted a huge run in the fourth to threaten their opponent.
Escoto top-scored with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals as Samboy de Leon had 17 points, nine boards, and four dimes for the Royals which dropped to 2-1 slate./PN
