MANILA – Iloilo United Royals dropped their second straight game in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League after an 89-77 loss to 1Bataan Risers on Tuesday at the Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City.
Leading 43-40 at the half, the United Royals failed to keep in step with the hot shooting Risers in the third quarter as they established a 70-64 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The United Royals managed to tie the score at 73-all in the fourth quarter via a Lorenzo Navarro triple but the Risers outscored the Ilonggos, 16-4, to escape with the much-needed win.
Yves Sazon top-scored for the Risers with 21 points, including two three-pointers, to go with four rebounds, two assists and two steals as they improved to 11-12 win-loss in the standings.
Dominick Vera took the Player of the Game honors with 15 points and three rebounds, while James Darwin Castro and Roldan Sara contributed 15 and 13 markers, respectively, for Bataan.
Navarro drilled five three-point connections to lead the United Royals with 21 points, Joshua Flores finished with 15 markers, while JR Ongteco and Omar Larupay had 10 points apiece.
The United Royals, now with 11-13 record, hopes to return to their winning ways when they battle Pasig City MCW Sports at four in the afternoon on August 22 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Negros Pau Muscovados, meanwhile, faltered in the overtime period as they suffered a 109-103 loss to Sarangani Marlins as they dropped to 9-15, while the latter improved to 10-14.
Rafael Are stepped up for the Marlins with 29 points, Reggz Albert Gabat had double-double 25 points and 12 rebounds, while John Paul Cauilan, Jefferson Comia and John Escalambre had 15, 12 and 11, respectively.
Jason Melano led the Muscovados with 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists, Jonathan Gantalao Jr. added 13 markers, while Bernie Bregondo and Camillus Altamirano had 12 and 10, respectively, in the loss./PN
BOX SCORE:
BATAAN 89 – Sazon 21, Vera 15, Castro 15, Sara 13, Ramos 7, Bringas 7, Darang 6, Gabawan 3, Torrado 2, Paguio 0, Longalong 0, Santos 0, Sombero 0, Portales 0, Bilugan 0.
ILOILO 77 – Navarro 21, Flores 15, Ongteco 10, Larupay 10, Imperial 8, Armenion 6, Catapusan 6, Guion 1, Sumido 0, Nunez 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20, 40-43, 70-64, 89-77.
