ILOILO City – Iloilo United Royals hopes to finally taste a win at home. It faces Zamboanga Family Sardines in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup on Jan. 18 at the University of San Agustin Gym here.
The Royals wishes to finally secure a win in front of the Ilonggos after being unsuccessful in their first two home games this season against the Pasay Voyagers, 56-52, on Sept. 19, 2019 and Davao Occidental Tigers on Nov. 19, 2019, 89-76.
Royals team owner Julio Jalandoni Javelosa said that despite facing tough opposition in Zambonga, he still believes the Ilonggos have the capability to pull off an upset.
“I told the players we should believe that we can beat them,” Javelosa said. “We just have to believe in ourselves. Lahat naman ng teams sa MPBL beatable basta complete lineup namin.”
The Royals, currently at 15-9 in the South Division, are to be led by Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta, Richard Escoto, Ryan Arambulo, Donald Gumaru, Jasper Parker, Cedric de Joya, Rey Publico, and Frederick Rodriguez.
Zamboanga, which is one of the leaders of the league at 16-4 win-loss record, will parade Alvin Pasaol, Anton Asistio, Aaron Black, Leonard Santillan, Jun Bonsubre, and Robin Rono.
The matchup between Royals-Sardines is scheduled at 9 p.m. following the first game between the San Juan Knights and Davao Occidental Tigers at 7 p.m./PN
