MALOLOS, BULACAN — Iloilo-United fended off the also-ran Sarangani Province, 96-86, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season on Thursday at the Malolos Sports Convention.
With the playoffs just a month away, Iloilo head coach Eric Gonzales did not expect an outing like this against the league’s bottom-ranked squad.
“Hindi ako masaya eh. Masyado kaming complacent. Hindi dahil nasa bottom sila [Sarangani], ang tinitignan ko is ‘yung team saka individual effort eh,” lamented Gonzales.
Sarangani’s Rocky Clavel and Carl Soriano connived in a 6-0 run, cutting IloIlo’s once 12-point advantage to just six points, 83-89, with 1:56 left on the clock.
Richard Escoto then fished a foul from Excell Nocos. He drained two free throws to extend the Royals’ lead to eight points.
Pari Llagas was still able to trim it back to six points for Sarangani. Unfortunately for them, though, a Michael Javelosa three-pointer followed by a layup from Escoto gave Iloilo a 96-85 lead with 21.3 ticks remaining to restore order.
Escoto fired 24 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting clip laced with four rebounds and two steals. Donald Gumaru provided 18 points built on six three-pointers, while Al Tamsi had 11 points and four boards for the Royals.
Iloilo improved its win-loss card to 18-11, claiming the fourth spot in the North Division.
On the other hand, Orin Catacutan spearheaded Sarangani with 22 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Miko Eatrellante finished with 13 points, while Soriano had 10 markers.
Sarangani, who is in the midst of a five-game losing streak, suffered its 27th loss in 28 games.
The Scores:
Iloilo United (96) –– Escoto 24, Gumaru 18, Tamsi 11, Publico 9, Javelosa 9, Jeruta 8, Prado 5, Pedrosa 4, Jaboneta 3, Arambulo 2, Mahari 2, Rodriguez 1, de Joya 0, Pantin 0, Racho 0
Sarangani Province (86) –– Catacutan 22, Estrellante 13, Soriano 10, Alih 9, Eman 6, Dionson 6, Llagas 5, Clavel 5, Dimapiles 4, Nocos 4, Timon 2, Cabanog 0, Morado 0, Medalla 0
Quarterscores: 17-18, 42-42, 71-65, 96-86
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Joaqui Flores
