By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo United Royals are ready to impress in front of their Ilonggo fans as they are gearing up for their first home game of the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) today, to be held at the Passi City Arena, Iloilo.
Fresh off a momentum-clinching 57-55 victory over Laguna, the United Royals are seeking their second-straight win in two weeks against Manila to improve their standings in the Southern Division of the MPBL.
Iloilo is currently seating in the eighth place of the division and is tied with the Bacolod Maskaras with an identical 9-12 win-loss record.
It was 2019 when the United Royals last visited Passi, Iloilo for a highly-anticipated home game against the Mark Yee-led Davao Occidental Tigers.
Despite failing to protect their home court, the United Royals are eager once again to score their first win in Passi with a rejuvenated roster.
Leading the way for the United Royals are homegrown veterans Omar Larupay, Jhon Rey Sumido, and Leo Guion.
Larupay, the pride of Lambunao, has become an improved energy guy for the United Royals who is capable of a double-double night.
The hardworking Larupay once clinched the Best Player of the Game award after leading Iloilo with an impressive 19-point performance alongside 17 big rebounds.
Meanwhile, Sumido, a marked leftie shooter who can heat up in just a spurt, is expected to provide the much-needed scoring against the tough Manila squad.
Guion, one of Iloilo’s veteran point guards who is also present during their home game last 2019 MPBL season, will handle point guard duties for Ilonggo head coach MC Abolucion.
No matter what the results will turn out for the United Royals, expect Iloilo to put on a show to the Ilonggos today at 8 PM.
Show your support, Ilonggos!
