MANILA – Crispin John “CJ” Cansino had his best game with Iloilo United Royals as they cruised to a 92-67 victory over Bulacan Kuyas in the 2024 MPBL Season on Monday night at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Cansino connected seven three-pointers to finish with a career-high of 30 points to go with nine rebounds, one assist, and a steal as the United Royals improved to a 6-9 win-loss slate.
“Mas naging aggressive lang din ako sa offense since ‘yun naman ang role ko nung college,” said Cansino, a former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons forward.
He added: “Galing kasi kami sa (dalawang sunod na) talo kaya I just found a way kung papaano ko (magiging effective) and kung papaano ko masha-share ‘yung ball sa teammates ko.”
Gwyne Capacio chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds, while RV Berjay ended with a near double-double of 11 rebounds and eight markers for Iloilo, which secured their first win under new head coach Japs Cuan.
“Nagtiwala lang kami sa sistema ni coach Japs, and happy naman na slowly naka-adjust na kami lahat kay coach kahit second game pa lang namin with him,” Cansino said.
Holding to a slim 21-17 lead after the opening quarter, the United Royals created separation from the Kuyas in the second frame behind triples by Cansino for a 45-35 halftime lead.
The United Royals continued their run in the third quarter with conversions from Negrense Mark Nonoy and Cansino as the lead reached its biggest at 92-65 on a Conrad Catapusan basket.
Jason Celis top-scored with 13 points, Eric Jabel added 12 markers, and Khen Osicos and Ralph Manzo ended with 11 markers apiece as the Kuyas dropped to a 2-14 record.
The United Royals will aim for their second consecutive victory as they battle Marikina Shoemasters at four in the afternoon on July 5 at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City./PN
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 92 – Cansino 30, Capacio 17, Nonoy 9, Berjay 8, Imperial 7, Catapusan 5, Madrigal 5, Doliguez 4, Dela Rosa 3, Diaz 2, Ongteco 2, Santos 0, Gomez 0, Rangel 0, Kapunan 0.
BULACAN 67 – Celis 13, Jabel 12, Osicos 11, Manzo 11, Dada 10, Carandang 6, Baltazar 2, Dulalia 2, Montero 0, Bangeles 0, Benedictos 0, Viernes 0.
Quarterscores: 21-17, 45-35, 66-47, 92-67.
