MANILA – Iloilo United Royals saw its winning run in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League halted following a close 70-68 loss to Mindoro Tamaraws at the People Center Capitol Drive in Bataan.
The Tamaraws dominated the opening half on Wednesday night and were on top by six before the Royals went on a strong run in the third period behind Richard Escoto. The lead reached its largest at six points.
The Tamaraws, however, opened the final quarter with a 12-2 scoring run to take control of the game at 65-59 on a conversion by Nicol Bolos.
The Royals rallied to within 66-67 after a Donald Gumaru triple. However, Mindoro was able to increase the lead at 70-66 after a triple by Sandy Cenal with 29 seconds left.
Iloilo cut the deficit to 68-70 on two free throws by Al Francis Tamsi and even had a chance to win it but they turned the ball over.
Bolos finished the match with double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Luigi Natada added 14 markers, five rebounds and five assists while Cenal had 11 markers for the Tamaraws (6-7).
Escoto ignited the offense for the 7-5 Royals with 20 points, while Gumaru and Tamsi contributed 11 and 10 markers, respectively./PN
