MANILA – Iloilo United Royals survived a tough stand by the Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers before pulling off a 71-65 win in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup last night at the Imus Sports Complex.
After seeing its 17 point edge trimmed to 65-66, the Royals managed to hang on via a three-pointer by Al Francis Tamsi and two free throws by Richard Escoto to eventually escape with the win.
Tamsi finished the match with 16 points while Jerson Prado and Escoto contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Royals improved to 15-8.
It had a blazing start behind Tamsi, Donald Gumaru and Frederick Rodriguez to establish a lead as high as 17 points early in the third period.
The Golden Coolers slowly clawed its way back but conversions from Escoto and Prado kept the Royals afloat before the Rizal made its last push to come to within 66-65.
Kelvin Gregorio topscored with 15 points, while Jordan Rios and Rommel Saliente added 12 markers apiece as the Golden Coolers dropped to 4-17 mark./PN
