MANILA – Iloilo United Royals leaned on another huge game from Omar Larupay as they scored an 86-80 upset over Zamboanga City Family’s Brand Sardines in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Tuesday at the STRIKE Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
The Lambunao, Iloilo-native Larupay posted double-double 19 points and 17 rebounds to go with one assist and a block as the United Royals scored back-to-back victories to improve to 8-11 win-loss slate.
Lorenzo Navarro chipped in 14 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Shaquille Imperial and Jhon Rey Sumido had 14 and 13, respectively, for the Iloilo City-based squad.
Trailing for most of the game, the United Royals turned things around in the fourth quarter with four straight points from Imperial and a triple from Larupay to take a 73-72 advantage.
The Ilonggos continued its run with an outside shot from Navarro and an inside hit from Larupay to widen the lead to 78-72 before Zamboanga City threatened to within four on a basket by Jaycee Marcelino.
After another basket from Iloilo’s Sumido, Zamboanga City made its last push to cut the deficit to 78-81 on two free throws by Marcelino but a layup by Navarro sealed the win for the United Royals.
Larupay, a former standout of CenterPhil Montessori Silver Knights, credited the trust of newly-named Iloilo head coach MC Abolucion for his renewed confidence for his hometown squad.
“Nag-step up ako kasi wala na kaming big man sa team,” Larupay said. “Lagi rin akong sinasabihan ni coach na ibigay ko lang ang best ko kapag nasa court ako, and mahalaga rin para sa amin na manalo para makahabol kami sa top eight.”
Dexter Maiquez finished with double-double 23 points and 12 rebounds, Judel Fuentes also had double-double 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Jayvee Marcelino and Jaycee Marcelino had 12 and 11, respectively, for Zamboanga City (14-4).
The United Royals will aim for their third consecutive victory when they face undefeated Pampanga City Giant Lanterns at eight in the evening on July 18 at Bren Z Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.
BOX SCORE:
ILOILO 86 – Larupay 19, Imperial 14, Navarro 14, Sumido 13, Flores 9, Catapusan 8, Arambulo 4, Nunez 2, Basco 2, Armenion 1, Madrigal 0, Guion 0.
ZAMBOANGA 80 – Maiquez 23, Fuentes 14, JV Marcelino 12, JC Marcelino 11, Santos 7, Mahari 5, Dumapig 2, Tabi 2, Grimaldo 2, Tansingco 2, Lasco 0, Caballero 0.
Quarterscores: 22-26, 41-47, 66-70, 86-80./PN
