MANILA – Crispin John “CJ” Cansino delivered another dominant offensive game as Iloilo United Royals edged Marikina Shoemaster, 93-77, in the 2024 MPBL Season at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Cansino tied his career-high of 30 points, including six three-point conversions, to go with 10 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and two blocks as the United Royals moved up to a 7-9 win-loss slate.
According to Cansino, chalking up as many victories as possible is important for the United Royals to bolster their playoff chances in the Southern Division.
“Very important itong panalo na ito sa amin kasi dikit-dikit kami na nasa 8th, 9th, and 10th place (sa Southern Division standings). Gusto namin na magkaroon ng separation,” Cansino said.
“Personally, nakita ko kasi dun sa mga unang games ko with Iloilo na hindi ako ganun ka-aggressive offensively kaya talagang sinubukan ko na mas maging aggressive nung last two games namin,” he added.
Negrense Mark Nonoy added 15 markers, Clint Doliguez contributed 13 points, while Conrad Catapusan and RV Berjay ended with 11 markers apiece for the United Royals.
The United Royals set the tone early as they cruised to a 25-14 lead in the opening quarter before they maintained the lead at 45-36 heading into the halftime break.
Iloilo were still on top in the third quarter, but Marikina got their shot to fall to cut the deficit to 63-66 on a basket by Negrense Miguel Corteza early in the fourth quarter.
The United Royals, however, responded with three-pointers from Cansino, Nonoy, and Berjay along with inside attacks from Shaquille Imperial as the lead reached as high as 16 points.
Jordan Sta. Ana top-scored for Marikina City with 15 points, while Corteza and Eric Pili added 13 markers apiece. They dropped to a 4-12 win-loss record./PN
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 93 – Cansino 30, Nonoy 15, Doliguez 13, Berjay 11, Catapusan 11, Imperial 7, Ongteco 4, Diaz 2, Credo 0, Santos 0, Larupay 0, Javelosa 0, Dela Rosa 0, Madrigal 0, Rangel 0.
MARIKINA CITY 77 – Sta. Ana 15, Corteza 13, Pili 13, Escoto 9, Casajeros 8, Basco 8, Udjan 8, Charlesworth 3, Vitug 0, Codinera 0, Evangelista 0, Landayan 0, Tolentino 0.
Quarterscores: 25-14, 45-36, 66-58, 93-77.
