Bouncing back from previous defeats, Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife scored back-to-back wins in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season.
The Ilonggos relied on the heroics of Justine Sanchez who scored double-double 15 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists, one steal and a block to beat Bicol Volcanoes, 109-77. They improved to 2-4 win-loss record in the standings.
Tony Ynot added 14 points along with five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Neil Tolentino contributed 12 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting and 2-of-2 free throws for Iloilo.
After an 11-4 start, Joshua Flores, JR Ongteco and Ynot steered the team but Bicol recovered to take a slim 13-12 lead before the United Royals pulled to a 29-19 edge behind Sanchez and Tolentino.
The Volcanoes tried to keep the match close at 33-39 midway in the second quarter but the United Royals banked on back-to-back three-pointers by Lorenzo Navarro to stay ahead at 51-44 at the half.
In the second half, Sanchez, Ynot and Tolentino waxed hot on the field for a 77-52 upperhand before widening it further in the fourth quarter with triples from AJ Madrigal and playing team manager Michael Jay Javelosa.
James Martinez led the way with 23 points, including two three-point conversions, while Wowie Escosio and Nick Abanto had 19 and 10 points, respectively, as the Volcanoes remained winless in six games.
