MANILA – Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife withstood a fierce fightback from Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc. to prevail, 82-79, in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
After establishing its largest lead of 24-41 in the opening half, the United Royals were stunned by a furious fightback by Valenzuela, anchored by Michael Macion, to take a 53-51 lead.
The United Royals, however, kept their poise and countered with timely conversions from Justine Sanchez and Lorenzo Navarro in the fourth quarter to register their third consecutive win.
Sanchez, who is set to play for College of St. Benilde Blazers in NCAA next year, top-scored for the United Royals with 26 points to go with 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
College teammate Tony Ynot chipped in 19 markers, Neil Tolentino also hit double-digits in scoring with 10, while Lorenzo Navarro had 11 assists to go with eight points as the United Royals improved to 5-5.
Macion finished with double-double 27 points and 12 rebounds, Allan Richard Martin added 13 markers, including three outside shots, while Johnnel Bauzon had 10 points as Valenzuela dropped to 1-9.
The Manu Inigo-mentored United Royals hopes to continue their winning streak when they face the slumping Marikina Shoemasters at six in the evening on May 25 at Bataan People’s Center.
Negros Pao Muscovados, meanwhile, saw their winning run snapped as they were defeated by San Juan Knights, 73-66, on Saturday at the Bataan People’s Center in Orani.
Amier Cris Soberano led the way with 18 points, including five three-pointers, while Michael Calisaan, Marwin Taywan and Orlan Wamar Jr. added 10 each as the Sen. Jinggoy Estrada-mentored San Juan improved to 7-2.
Mark Maloles and Robin Rono ended with 13 markers apiece to lead the Muscovados, which saw their three-game winning run snapped to drop to 4-6 win-loss record.
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 82 – Sanchez 26, Ynot 19, Tolentino 10, Navarro 8, Sumido 7, Larupay 5, J. Flores 3, Guion 3, Catapusan 1, Madrigal 0, Murphy 0, Basco 0, Javelosa 0, Korovesi 0, Arambulo 0.
VALENZUELA 79 – Macion 27, Martin 13, Bauzon 10, Tateishi 8, Steinl 5, Manlinguez 4, Diego 4, Pagcaliwangan 4, Mabigat 3, Rivera 1, Ligon 0, Sy 0, Velasco 0, Gonzaga 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 42-31, 63-58, 82-79./PN
