By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
ILOILO UNITED ROYALS got the better of Bataan Risers, 84-78, in the ongoing MPBL Lakan Season on July 1, 2019 at the Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City.
The Royals notched their second straight win in the league, thanks to the efforts of Richard Escoto and Aaron Jeruta.
Jeruta scorched the Risers with 7 straight points in the opening period, matching the firepower of the star studded Bataan squad.
In the second quarter, the Royals exploited Jeruta’s height advantage against Bataan’s Anton Asistio by feeding him the ball for post plays.
But deep into the second canto, Bataan answered every basket the Ilonggos converted for a neck and neck match.
Iloilo pulled away in the third minute of the final quarter as Escoto, who was also the hero in their maiden game, took over and hit clutch basket after clutch basket.
Escoto was hailed player of the game after putting up 19 points in 20 minutes while grabbing 10 rebounds.
Ateneo champions and former PBA players comprised the stacked line-up of Bataan, with the likes of Jai Reyes, Anton Asistio, Sean Manganti, Leo Najorda and Chito Jaime. But the youthful Royals did not back down and were the hungrier team.
Scores:
BATAAN RISERS – Manganti 18, Batino 13, Villarias 11, Jaime 11, Najorda 7
ILOILO UNITED ROYALS – Escoto 19, Jeruta 19, De Leon 16, Gumaru 6, Mahari 6
