MANILA – Caloocan Batang Kankaloo turned things around in the second half to defeat Iloilo United Royals, 90-80, in the 2024 MPBL Season on Tuesday night at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City.
Joshua Flores led the way with 14 points, 11 coming in the second half, to go with six rebounds and one assist as the Batang Kankaloo recorded their second straight win for a 10-6 win-loss slate.
Ronnie Matias contributed 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals, while Negrense Jeramer Cabanag and Paul Sanga contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, for Caloocan.
Down 39-43 at the half, the Batang Kankaloo got conversions from Reil Cervantes and Sanga to start the third quarter to tie the score at 49-all before taking a 68-58 lead with connections from Flores and Marion Magat.
The United Royals rallied to within 67-70 to start the fourth quarter, but the Batang Kankaloo responded with baskets from Flores, Cervantes, and Matias to widen the lead anew to double-digits.
“Ni-remind kami ng coaches (nung halftime) about sa energy and gigil namin to win in this game, nawala kasi nung first half eh kaya ibinalik lang namin nung second half,” said Flores, who played for the United Royals last season.
“Isa sa pinakagawa naming paraan is ‘yung nag-uusap kami sa loob ng court and credit din sa teammates and coaches namin na palagi kaming nire-remind kung ano ang gagawin,” he added.
CJ Cansino finished with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals, while Ry dela Rosa and Gwynne Capacio added 15 and 11, respectively, as the United Royals dropped to 7-12.
The United Royals, which is on a three-game losing skid, will attempt to return to their winning ways as they face the Abra Weavers on August 3 at the University of Bangued Gymnasium in Abra./PN
BOX SCORE:
CALOOCAN 90 – Flores 14, Matias 13, Cabanag 13, Sanga 11, Tayongtong 9, Magat 8, Cervantes 8, Espinas 7, Palencia 4, Inigo 2, Bonsubre 1, Calahat 0, Manlangit 0.
ILOILO 80 – Casino 27, De La Rosa 15, Capacio 11, Nonoy 9, Santos 4, De Vera 4, Berjay 3, Imperial 2, Ongteco 2, Diaz 2, Gomez 1, Larupay 0, Credo 0, Madrigal 0.
Quarterscores: 16-22,39-43, 68-58, 90-80.
