MANILA – Iloilo United Royals stretched its winning run in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League via a 77-51 rout of Quezon City Toda Aksyon V Fresh over the weekend at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
JR Ongteco top-scored with 12 points, including two three-pointers, to go with nine rebounds to be hailed as Player of the Game.
The United Royals improved to 11-12 win-loss slate.
Ilonggo Omar Larupay chipped in double-double 11 points and 12 rebounds, while his fellow homegrown player Jhon Rey Sumido ended with 10 markers, with two three-point hits, for the United Royals.
Iloilo went to work early as back-to-back triples by Ongteco surged them to a 26-11 start. The United Royals rout continued in the second frame via inside hits by Ongteco and triples by Sumido for a 42-23 halftime lead.
The United Royals continued its domination in the second half as the lead reached its biggest at 34 points before they slowed down in the fourth period as Quezon City outscored them, 21-17.
John Carlo Melegrito tallied 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Kim Kaizen Lo added 10 markers as Quezon City dropped to 3-21 in the standings.
The United Royals looks to go for their fourth consecutive win as they face powerhouse Makati OK Bet Kings on August 11 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Muntinlupa City.
Meanwhile, Negros Pau Muscovados saw their winning streak halted after suffering a 79-73 loss to Pasay City Voyagers. The Muscovados dropped to 8-14, while the Voyagers improved to 13-9 record.
Antonio Jeffrey Coronel top-scored with 18 points, Laurenz Victoria and Alejandro Iñigo chipped in 15 markers apiece, while Rommel Mangalino contributed 11 points for the Voyagers.
Jason Melano finished with double-double 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Leo James Ingles had his best game for the Muscovados with 16 markers./PN
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 77 — Ongteco 12, Larupay 11, Sumido 10, Flores 9, Nuñez 7, Armenion 6, Imperial 6, Catapusan 5, Madrigal 4, Sinco 4, Navarro 3, Arambulo 0, Javelosa 0.
QUEZON CITY 51 — Melegrito 12, Lo 10, Roman 9, Pedroza 9, Bagon 7, Enriquez 4, Berjay 0, Lina 0, Benavides 0, Sumalacay 0.
Quarterscores: 26-11, 42-23, 60-30, 77-51.
