MANILA – Iloilo United Royals continued its rise in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. It defeated Imus Khaleb Shawarma Banderas, 73-69, in overtime at the Marist School in Marikina City.
Richard Escoto had another solid outing with 20 points and nine rebounds on Thursday night while Jerson Prado, Rey Publico and Al Francis Tamsi added 11 markers apiece.
The Royals rose
to 13-8 record with this victory.
The Banderas got the advantage after three quarters and seemed headed to a
victory after building a 64-57 lead with over four minutes left following a
basket from Anthony Helterbrand.
But a three-point play by Prado and triple by Escoto pulled the Royals to
within 63-64 before Escoto tied the score with a split free throw.
The Ilonggos
had a chance to win it in regulation but Escoto misfired his attempt.
The Royals jumped to a 70-66 lead in the extension period after a triple by
Escoto and free throws from Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta.
The Banderas cut the deficit to one but a basket from Jeruta sealed the win for the Ilonggos.
As the Banderas dropped to 5-17, Justin Arana finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, Rama Morales added 12 markers, while Helterbrand and Jeric Nacpil finished with 10 points each.
Actor Gerald
Anderson suited up for Imus team but ended up scoreless without a field goal
attempt in 12 minutes to go along with one rebound and one assist./PN
