Iloilo falls short to San Juan in MPBL

Rey Publico puts on a double-double performance feat against San Juan Knights at the Ynares Sports Arena on Jan. 23. MPBL Photo
Rey Publico puts on a double-double performance feat against San Juan Knights at the Ynares Sports Arena on Jan. 23. MPBL Photo

MANILA – The endgame rally of the Iloilo United Royals was not enough as they suffered a 70-67 defeat against San Juan-Go for Gold Knights in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup on Jan. 23 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Down by as much as 12 points in the final quarter, the Royals drew strength from center Rey Publico, as he spearheaded a huge 12-1 offensive blast to threaten San Juan to within 67-68 with 59 seconds remaining.

The Royals had a chance to take the lead, but the floater attempt by Aaron Jeruta was swatted by Mike Ayonayon. Jhonard Clarito then drained two clutch free throws to give San Juan a three-point cushion before Publico missed a potential game-tying beyond-the-arc attempt.

 “Sabi ko nga, a win is a win. Pero siyempre, IloIlo ‘yan. May sistema, lahat kumpleto, coaching staff, players. Bigay ko ‘yung credit sa kanila, ready talaga sila buti na lang na-shoot ni Jhonard [Clarito] ‘yung huli,” said San Juan head coach Randy Alcantara.

Clarito finished the match with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, while John Wilson and Orlan Wamar chipped in 12 markers each for the Knights to remain on top of the Northern Division with a 24-3 win-loss slate.

Publico finished the match with a double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds for Iloilo, which is now tied with the Zamboanga Familily’s Brand Sardines in the fifth spot in the South Division with a 16-11 record.

Richard Escoto provided 13 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals, while Al Francis Tamsi had 10 points and 4 rebounds as efforts for the losing Iloilo team./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here