The Ilonggo mentoring is effective for Iloilo United Royals as they captured their first victory under Ilonggo coach MC Abolucion.
Playing like well-oiled machines, the Ilonggos outpointed Sarangani Marlins, 100-98, in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the STRIKE Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Abolucion was a former standout of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix before being recruited to play for the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA.
Abolucion is not new in coaching stints. He served as assistant coaches for the Batang Gilas from 2015 to 2018 and with San Miguel Beer-Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League for three years. He also became an assistant for UAAP teams De La Salle University Green Archers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, including the school’s championship season last year.
Meanwhile, during the match, both teams capitalized on their veterans but the Ilonggos dominated the first three quarters before trailing by one point after a triple by Marlins’ Jeff Viernes.
Iloilo managed to regain the lead at 99-98 via a layup by Shaquille Imperial. Rafael Are missed a two-point opportunity in the dying seconds of the last frame with Joshua Flores draining his first free throw to give the Ilonggos their first win under coach Abolucion.
Flores finished the game with 31 points, including seven three-point conversions, to go with nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block as the United Royals moved up to 7-11 win-loss slate.
Ilonggo Omar Larupay chipped in double-double 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryan Arambulo and Imperial made their presence felt 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the United Royals.
Saranggani’s Reggie Albert Gabat top-scored with 16 points, Viernes and Cauilan added 15 and 14 markers, respectively, while Jefferson Comia and Jordan Sta. Ana had 11 each as the Marlins dropped to 8-10.
With the victory, the United Royals will face Zamboanga’s Family Brand Sardines on July 11 at the STRIKE Gymnasium.IMT Sports
