MANILA – Iloilo United Royals failed to protect its double-digit lead. It suffered a heartbreaking 78-74 loss to the Basilan Steel in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League last night at the Pasig Sports Complex.
With the Royals on top, 64-55, early in the fourth, Basilan went on a 12-0 scoring run on back-to-back hits by Bobby Balucanag, a jumper from Hesed Gabo and two baskets from Irven Palencia to take a 67-64 edge.
The Royals attempted to come to within a basket several times behind Richard Escoto and Rodel de Leon but a three-pointer and two free throws from Jhaps Bautista sealed the win for Basilan.
Palencia finished the match with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Darwin Lunor and Balucanag had 13 and 12 markers, respectively, as Basilan improves to 5-3.
The Royals trailed 1-8 early in the game but managed to take control of the match in the second period with conversions from De Leon and Rey Publico for a 36-33 halftime edge.
The Ilonggos kept the lead in the third period despite several rallies by Basilan and was able to build its biggest edge at 58-48 late in the quarter on connections by Cedric de Joya.
De Leon top-scored with 16 points, Publico and Al Francis Tamsi added 11 markers apiece, while Escoto contributed 10 markers as the Royals dropped to 4-4 win-loss slate./PN
