Manila – Iloilo United Royals regained its winning ways in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup with a 76-70 win over Pampanga Giant Lanterns on Thursday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Al Francis Tamsi posted 18 points, including four triples, while Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta added 13 markers, including clutch free throws down the stretch, as the Royals improved to 9-6 win-loss slate.
The Royals started flat as they were down 11-2 before mounting a huge run behind Mike Javelosa and Frederick Rodriguez to tie the score at 18-all before the Giant Lanterns took a 22-18 edge after the quarter.
The Royals went on a rally to start the second period to build a 31-24 edge on hits from Jeruta, Tamsi and Richard Escoto but the Giant Lanterns responded with six straight points to come to within 29-31 at the half.
It was a seesaw battle for both teams in the third period with both the Ilonggos and Pampanga each having a taste on the lead but in the end the Royals took a 55-53 edge on hits from Tamsi, Jasper Parker and John Mahari.
Consecutive shots from Tamsi and Jeruta to start the fourth gave the Royals a 61-53 edge. The Giant Lanterns rallied back to forced deadlock several times before the Ilonggos created distance on baskets from Jeruta.
John Dexter Maiquez top-scored with 17 points, while Michael Juico and Reil Cervantes contributed 13 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Giant Lanterns dropped to 10-6 win-loss slate.
