By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo United Royals are back, and they are on the road to redemption as they face off against the number one team in the MPBL, the Davao Occidental Tigers today, 8:30 p.m. at Passi City Arena, Iloilo.
Failing to defend home court in their first royal homecoming, the United Royals are looking to bounce back and electrify the thousands of Ilonggo fans.
Currently the best expansion team in the MPBL Lakan Cup, Iloilo was tagged as the dark horse in this year’s MPBL season, taking down top-tier teams both from the north and the south division, such as the Manila Stars and Valenzuela.
They will be met with crazy cheers from the best crowd, and the support of the Ilonggo basketball community.
The team will surely need the support from the fans as they are looking to upset the heavyweights of the southern division. Known in the league for their big three, Mark Yee, James Forrester, and Bonbon Custodio, all former PBA players, the United Royals should be ready and will have to bring their A-game as soon as they step on the hardwood.
Coach Eric Gonzales of Iloilo will also look to bring out all the tricks up his sleeve to equalize the artillery Davao has.
Expect a contrast in styles of play where Iloilo will want to run and gun while the Tigers will put up their points mostly in their half-court offensive sets.
