By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo United Royals are finally back in top form, obliterating one of the best teams of the northern division, the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, 79-65, in the 2019 MPBL Lakan Season.
Coach Eric Gonzales adjusted and switched things up at the start of the game, putting in a half-court oriented lineup in Ryan Arambulo, Richard Escoto, and Rey Publico.
The Iloilo dribble drive offense was too efficient in the opening quarter, where JR Parker caused mayhem every time he drove the ball, breaking down Pasig’s defense.
However, Alfonzo Gotladera and Robbie Manalang managed to keep Pasig close with baskets of their own, where Manalang scoring an early 7 points that helped Pasig produce points and put them within striking distance.
Iloilo caught fire to start the second canto courtesy of Al Francis Tamsi who buried shot after shot from deep.
Checking in for the first time, Iloilo’s newest addition, former UP Fighting Maroon Jerson Prado, immediately made his presence felt with an offensive board and a tip-in.
The post duo of Prado and Publico made it hard for Pasig to control the boards, as Iloilo began to snatch offensive rebounds allowing them multiple opportunities to score.
As the first half was drawing to a close, Tamsi then buried a trey plus a foul that capped off a 7-0 Iloilo run, ending the half at 41-33.
Things worsened for Pasig in the second half, as the Iloilo offense began to snowball and widen the margin.
Parker even joined the trey party after knocking down his lone three pointer to end the third canto at 61-45.
The Pasig squad began to create some momentum at the start of the fourth after a 7-1 run by Josan Nimes.
Tamsi quickly quelled the run though, drawing up their usual curl play to free him up for another three to snuff any hint of a comeback from Pasig.
Tamsi’s scorching performance won him the best player of the game award, burying a game-high 26 points including 6 shots from downtown.
Iloilo then never looked back, doubled their defensive effort and continued their three-point party, including the Escoto dagger that sealed the game in the 1:20 mark that extended the lead to 15, 75-60.
With the win, Iloilo extends their winning streak to three and move into the 6th spot in the South Division.
Scores:
Iloilo- Tamsi 26, Escoto 18, Parker 8, Publico 8, Jeruta 7, Prado 3, Arambulo 3
Pasig- Manalang 16, Najorda 15, Nimes 15, Gotladera 8, Mendoza, 5
