By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo United Royals quickly redeemed themselves after their loss to the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors and crushed the All-Star Bacolod, 85-62, in their third game of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational tournament.
After going cold against Sta. Lucia, the United Royals were off to a hot start against Bacolod, building an early double-digit lead, 25-8, at the end of the first quarter.
Former PBA veteran Chito Jaime was once again unstoppable for Iloilo as he set his new tournament high with 28 huge points including an efficient 7/14 shooting from the three-point area.
Jaime was too much to handle for Bacolod as the main gunner just put on an offensive clinic against their Western Visayas rivals.
Big man Mac Racho also provided the needed extra punch for the United Royals as he chipped in 11 points in the win.
Iloilo sent an early finishing blow at the start of the final canto when Axel Inigo, Gelo Vito, and Jayson David hit three consecutive treys that ballooned their lead to 24, 70-46.
Bacolod never came close against Iloilo and saw themselves got beaten by a more determined and rejuvenated squad.
“Bawal na kaming matalo kaya start pa lang ng game, matindi na ang binibitawan nila. Masaya si Boss Jay Javelosa. It’s a pride thing kasi alam natin may rivalry ito,” said Iloilo’s head coach Eric Gonzales.
Iloilo will have the chance to improve to 3-1 in their pool in their next game against Bacoor today at 5:00 PM.
