Jeruta clutch as Iloilo protects home court vs Zambo, rises to fifth in MPBL South

ILOILO — Aaron Jeruta drilled the game-winner as Iloilo United outlasted Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines, 60-58, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, Saturday at the University of San Agustin Gym.

Jeruta, a homegrown Ilonggo, drove past Robin Roño and made a tough layup with 12.4 ticks left in the game and the shot clock winding down to snap their two-game slide.

In the ensuing play, Zamboanga’s Anton Asistio missed his three-pointer. Santi Santillan then overcooked his floater to give the Royals the victory.

“Aaron will always be Aaron. Sa wakas. Ilang game nang gigil na gigil siya. Sa wakas naman ay nabigiyan siya ng chance for that bucket,” said coach Eric Gonzales on Jeruta’s game-winner.

Entering the fourth frame down by six, 45-51, the Royals limited Zamboanga to just seven points in the physical game. They also converted 15 markers, just enough to earn the much-needed win.

Jeruta, who hails from Jaro, Iloilo, had five points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Royals. Alfrancis Tamsi posted 17 points on five triples, while Rey Publico unloaded 14 markers and nine rebounds.

Iloilo improved to 16-10, leapfrogging Zamboanga for fifth place in the Southern division with an identical slate.

On the other hand, Santillan led Zamboanga with 15 points and five boards. Alvin Pasaol contributed 14 markers on a 5-of-19 clip, alongside eight rebounds, five dimes against seven turnovers.

The Scores:

Iloilo 60 — Tamsi 17, Publico 14, Escoto 13, Jeruta 5, Racho 5, Arambulo 3, Prado 2, Parker 1, Gumaru 0, Mahari 0, Pantin 0, Li 0.

Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines 58 — Santillan 15, Pasaol 14, Black 8, Rono 6, Reyes 5, Thiele 3, Villamor 3, Manzo 2, De Vera 2, Bonsubre 0, Asistio 0, Arboleda 0, Morido 0.

Quarterscores: 11-19, 32-35, 45-51, 60-58.

Story by Justin Valencia