By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Donald Gumaru’s shooting stroke finally came alive in the most crucial part of the season as the playoffs loom.
Shooting 6/9 from rainbow country, the trigger-ready Gumaru finished the game with 18 big points, helping the Iloilo United Royals prevail over the resilient Sarangani Marlins, 96-86.
It was a nip-and-tuck first half as Sarangani’s offense began to light up as early as the first quarter, courtesy of an aggressive Orin Catacutan.
Iloilo’s offense began to ignite after Gumaru’s three-point party in the second half, draining three straight treys that made Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium wild in the sequence.
Royal force Richard Escoto then began to operate in the second half, using his strength to pound his way inside the paint and drain open threes off perfectly executed drive and kick plays.
Also, Aaron Jeruta’s quiet 12-assist game helped Iloilo pull-away midway through the third frame as he orchestrated several plays excellently leading to easy looks.
Iloilo’s 50 percent shooting from the three-point line proved to be the difference-maker in the game as they sank 15 of their 30 attempts, one of their best productions of the season including their 25 total assists as a team.
Iloilo’s last game before playoff time would feature a clash against the powerhouse Bacoor City Strikers on February 6, the number one seed in their division.
