MANILA – Iloilo United Royals halted a four-game losing streak as they defeated Muntinlupa Cagers, 63-58, in the 2024 MPBL season over the weekend at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
AJ Madrigal had his best game of the season for the United Royals, finishing with 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals to earn the Player of the Game honors.
The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout said the United Royals managed to return to their winning ways by moving on from the players that left the team.
The United Royals have been playing without Crispin John Cansino, Mark Nonoy, RV Berjay, Jason Credo, and Conrad Catapusan for the past few games since they were drafted in the PBA.
“We just focus on the things that we can control,” Madrigal said in a post-game interview. “We have a group of guys who can step up naman at any given game.”
Ry dela Rosa, who was also drafted in the PBA but opted to honor his contract with the United Royals, top-scored for Iloilo with 14 points as they improved to an 8-13 win-loss record.
After being down by seven points in the opening half, the United Royals responded with a huge run in the second half and take a 59-54 lead on free throws by Allan Santos and Dela Rosa.
The Cagers responded with a free throw from Jasper Cuevas and a triple from Alfred Flores to cut the deficit to 58-59, but two free throws each by Gwynne Capacio and Madrigal sealed the win for Iloilo.
Flores finished with 16 points, while Cuevas added 11 markers as the Cagers dropped to a 7-14 record.
The United Royals will try to get their second consecutive win as the battle defending champions Pampanga Giant Lanterns on August 16 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga./PN
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 63 – Dela Rosa 14, Madrigal 11, Capacio 9, Ongteco 7, Santos 7, Imperial 5, F. Diaz 3, Larupay 3, Rangel 2, Javelosa 2, De Vera 0, Doliguez 0, Kapunan 0, J. Diaz 0.
MUNTINLUPA 58 – Flores 16, Cuevas 11, Ramirez 9, Bongay 8, Alano 5, Marcos 2, Capacio 2, Moralde 2, Buenaflor 2, Tamayo 1, Arenal 0, Batac 0, Galicia 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 24-29, 45-46, 63-58.
