Iloilo falls to Bacoor after rough shooting night

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Bacoor City Strikers prevailed against the tough Iloilo United Royals, 79-68, in their South Division clash, halting Iloilo’s two-game winning streak.

It was a rough shooting night for the United Royals as they only managed to drain 9 of their 35 attempts from downtown, a departure from their efficient shooting during their past two wins.

The star of last game’s victory, Donald Gumaru, only sank 1 out of 4 from the three-point line while main gunners Al Francis Tamsi and Richard Escoto combined for a dismal 6 makes out of 17 attempts.

Newest Royal enforcer Frank Golla made quick contributions on the floor as he was able to grab 3 boards, reject a shot, and scored a deuce.

Iloilo led by 33-31 at the half courtesy of their tremendous post defense and excellent ball movement but the Iloilo squad failed to maintain their consistent pace once the second half approached.

Star forward Gab Banal and pesky bruiser Michael Mabulac then ignited their team that put them ahead of Iloilo during the fourth.

Mabulac’s double-double performance of 10 points and 10 rebounds helped spark the Bacoor team as Matthew Aquino struggled against the Iloilo defense.

Steady point guard Ian Melencio then sealed the game with a three from the top of the arc that extinguished any hope of a run for the Royals.