MANILA – Iloilo United Royals returned to their winning ways in the 2024 MPBL Season with a come-from-behind 75-73 triumph against Bicolandia Oragons on Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.
Down 69-71 with over a minute left, Crispin John Cansino drilled a three-pointer to give the United Royals a 72-71 lead, but Bicolandia quickly regained the lead at 73-72 on a basket by Lord Casajeros.
Mark Nonoy swung the lead back to the United Royals at 74-73 on a layup with 35 seconds left before Cansino drilled a free throw from a technical foul called on Casajeros.
The Oragons had two opportunities to reclaim the advantage but Shaquille Alanes and Ralph Deles misfired on their basket attempts against the tight defense of the United Royals.
Cansino led the way with 18 points, including two three-point conversions, to go with seven rebounds and four assists to be named Player of the Game for the United Royals.
Nonoy contributed 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while Ry dela Rosa and Conrad Catapusan ended with 10 points apiece as the United Royals snapped a four-game slide to improve to a 2-4 win-loss slate.
The United Royals struggled with their points early as they trailed 11-17 after the opening quarter, before they slowly clawed their way back to cut the deficit to 29-30 at the half.
Both teams traded baskets in the third quarter for a 50-all score before the Oragons went on a mini run in the fourth quarter to take a 61-56 advantage on consecutive hits from Rojas.
Rojas finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists to lead the Oragons, while Deles contributed 14 markers as they remained in search for their first win after seven defeats.
The United Royals will aim to achieve their second straight win as they face Pasay Voyagers at eight in the evening on May 14 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City./PN
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 75 – Cansino 18, Nonoy 13, Catapusan 10, Dela Rosa 10, Capacio 8, Berjay 8, Gomez 4, Diaz 4, Javelosa 0, Jeruta 0, Credo 0, Doliguez 0.
BICOLANDIA 73 – Rojas 16, Deles 14, Alanes 9, Reyes 8, Lao 8, Burgos 7, Llarena 5, Santos 2, Javier 2, Casajeros 2, Velvez 0, Yu 0, Lee 0, Macaballug 0.
Quarterscores: 11-17, 29-30, 50-50, 75-73.
