MANILA – The Bacoor City Strikers got timely conversions in the endgame showdown after subduing the Iloilo United Royals, 79-68, in the 2019-2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season on Feb. 6 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
With the score tied at 59-all over seven minutes left in the clock, the Strikers went on an offensive rampage behind Michael Mabulac, Nick Demusis, Gab Banal and Ian Melencio to establish a 66-61 lead.
Iloilo made one last push to cut the deficit at 68-71, but back-to-back beyond-the-arc conversions from Banal and Melencio, then followed by another basket from Mark Montuano gave the Strikers its largest lead of 11 points.
Mark Pangilinan spearheaded the offense with 16 points, including four triples, while Banal and Mabulac added 11 and 10 markers, respectively, as the Strikers moved up to second place in the Southern division with 24-6 win-loss card.
“Our players could have easily said that we have number two locked in so we could have an easy night off, but there are no nights off to build championship habits,” said Strikers head coach Chris Gavina.
Al Francis Tamsi tallied 18 points, four rebounds, and three dimes, while Richard Escoto and Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta combined for 25 markers for the Royals that slipped to fifth place in the same conference behind an 18-12 record./PN
