By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Batangas City Athletics proved to be the hungrier team as they halted their 3-game losing streak after defeating the Iloilo United Royals, 65-59.
Both teams were still finding their rhythm early on as both went on a low-scoring first frame and shared a staggering amount of turnovers.
Batangas’ Adrian Santos came alive in the second quarter and went on a scoring frenzy, imposing his will underneath by scoring 6 straight points against Iloilo’s interior.
Santos’ run ignited the whole team and went into a scoring blitz of 17-4 in just six minutes in the second quarter.
Batangas led 34-22 during the half but Iloilo quickly responded in the third with a more disciplined offense as they drew several curl-up plays for Al Francis Tamsi that built a 7-1 run.
Despite the open looks, Iloilo began firing blanks and went cold offensively the rest of the game including open layups.
Jeff Viernes then put on a show as he torched Iloilo in the fourth with a series of dazzling finishes and long three-pointers that boosted his team.
MPBL analyst Leo Isaac attributed Batangas’ win to their patience on offense and better execution of their set plays to go along with their consistent tough defense.
With the loss, the Royals drop their record to 15-11 for 6th in the division right behind the 16-11 Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines who are 5th. Both teams will be facing off in the Royals’ 3rd homecoming this January 18, 2020 at the University of San Agustin Gym.
Scores:
Batangas – Viernes 14, Sara 10, Melano 10, Suerte 9, Santos 8, Olivares 4, Eguilos 4
Iloilo – Tamsi 16, Escoto 8, Mahari 6, Pedrosa 6, Jeruta 5, Prado 4
