By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The revamped Iloilo United Royals are advancing to the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational quarterfinals after trouncing the Caloocan Excellence, 80-69.
From start to finish, the United Royals showed dominance and consistency both offensively and defensively that made it hard for the Excellence to cope up.
Iloilo wasted no time and immediately came in waxing hot and opened a 23-11 as the team shot efficiently from the field.
“Kailangan yung mentality namin is doing the right thing and executing the gameplan as much as possible. Yung 50-50 balls at yung hustle points dapat amin,” coach Gonzales said.
United Royals veterans John Mahari and Donald Gumaru chipped in a huge way in the playoff-clinching victory.
The slashing Mahari proved he is still lethal whenever he drives down the lane and top-scored Iloilo with 16 while the streaky-shooter Gumaru added 10 points.
Aside from the veterans stepping up, the chemistry of the United Royals also clicked as all players were able to contribute in the scoring department and 10 players were able to grab a rebound.
“Kahapon pa lang, inaddress na namin na it’s all about managing. Ang mahirap kasi na team is yung nag-rerelax kasi nakuha na nga namin yung playoff spot,” added Gonzales.
