Despite playing undermanned, Iloilo United Royals stopped their four-game losing streak after surviving Muntinlupa Cagers, 63-58, in the 2024 MPBL season over the weekend at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Playing like well-oiled machines, AJ Madrigal steered the Ilonggos with 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals to earn the Player of the Game honors.
The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout said the United Royals managed to return to their winning ways by moving on from the players that left the team.
Crispin John Cansino, Mark Nonoy, RV Berjay, Jason Credo, and Conrad Catapusan were absent during the match since they were drafted in the PBA and started their respective trainings.
“We just focus on the things that we can control. We have a group of guys who can step up naman at any given game” he added.
Ry dela Rosa, who was also drafted in the PBA but opted to honor his contract with the United Royals, top-scored for Iloilo with 14 points as they improved to an 8-13 win-loss record.
It was a scintillating clash between two teams but United Royals responded with a huge run in the second half and take a 59-54 lead on free throws by Allan Santos and Dela Rosa after trailing by seven points in the first half.
The Cagers responded with a free throw from Jasper Cuevas and a triple from Alfred Flores to cut the deficit to 58-59, but two free throws each by Gwynne Capacio and Madrigal sealed the win for Iloilo.
Flores wrapped up the match with 16 points, while Cuevas added 11 markers as the Cagers dropped to a 7-14 record.IMT Sports
