BIÑAN — Bacoor City trooped back to its winning ways, toppling Iloilo United, 79-68, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, Thursday at the Alonte Sports Arena here.
The Strikers ended the elimination round in second place in the Southern division at 24-6. Meanwhile, the Royals slipped to fifth place in the same conference behind an 18-12 card.
“Our players could have easily said that we have number two locked in so we could have an easy night off. But there are no nights off to build championship habits,” said Bacoor coach Chris Gavina.
Mark Pangilinan spearheaded the Strikers with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from deep. Michael Mabulac tallied a double-double of 10 markers and 10 boards.
Gab Banal also contributed 11 points, while Ian Melencio added eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Leading by just three in the payoff period, Banal and Melencio connected on back-to-back triples from the top of the arc to give Bacoor the lead for good, 77-68 at the 1:06 mark.
On the other hand, Al Tamsi paced Iloilo with 18 points, four rebounds, and three dimes. Richard Escoto and Aaron Jeruta combined for 25 markers.
The Scores:
Bacoor City 79 – Pangilinan 16, Banal 11, Mabulac 10, Melencio 8, Demusis 8, Montuano 7, Cañete 6, Sumalinog 6, Ramirez 5, Aquino 2, Acuña 0, Destacamento 0.
Iloilo 68 – Tamsi 18, Escoto 13, Jeruta 12, Publico 7, Jaboneta 5, Gumaru 5, Prado 4, Mahari 2, Golla 2, Rodriguez 0, De Joya 0, Arambulo 0, Racho 0.
Quarterscores: 22-14, 31-33, 55-51, 79-68.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Thel Suliva
