After suffering from previous losses, Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife bounced back from grave to win against Bacolod City of Smiles, 80-73, during the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Bataan People’s Center.
Leading the assault, Justine Sanchez tallied double-double 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Winston Ynot added 16 markers as the United Royals ended their five-game losing skid to improve to 6-10.
Trailing by 18 points in the second quarter, the Ilonggos banked on Ryan Arambulo and Sanchez to cut the deficit to 23-29 before pulling even closer at 39-41 at the half with consecutive shots from Edsel Mag-isa.
The United Royals finally took the lead at 53-50 midway in the third period on successive points from Ynot before widening it to 60-54 after two free throw conversions from Arambulo.
With a sense of urgency, Bacolod City was still hanging around at 68-70 halfway in the final quarter but a three-pointer by Joshua Flores, two free throws by JR Ongteco and a basket from Sanchez allowed Iloilo to pull away at 78-68 with over a minute left in the game.
Despite the impressive finish of Donate Matillano who finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, the team was a bit short from winning the game. John Cantimbuhan and Coy Alves added 13 and 10 markers, respectively, as Bacolod City dropped to 6-10 with the loss.
Iloilo will aim for its second straight when they battle fellow Western Visayas-based team Negros Pau Muscovados on June 30, while Bacolod City will try to bounce back against Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers on July 1.
Meanwhile, the Muscovados suffered their second consecutive defeat after being blasted by defending champions Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, 94-72, at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.IMT Sports
