Iloilo ruined Bicol’s homecoming with a thrilling 79-74 win, while reigning champion San Juan pulled off its toughest victory yet to stay unbeaten in the MPBL Lakan Season, which staged its first-ever road games in Legazpi City last Saturday night.
Richard Escoto fired 21 points, including a couple of crucial free throws down the stretch as the Royals held off the Volcanoes at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation for their fourth win in seven games.
Iloilo’s strong performance against the hosts overshadowed the Knights’ 87-79 overtime triumph over the Bataan Risers in the first game.
The Knights dug deep down the stretch, clawing back from an 11-point deficit in the final two minutes of regulation, before unleashing the full brunt of their assault in overtime to pin a fourth loss on the Risers.
Mike Ayonayon had 18 points, 13 coming in the last seven minutes, as the Knights extended their unbeaten start to seven games.
The Royals took control in the second period, before Escoto, Samboy de Leon and John Mahari came up with big shots in the second half to preserve the victory against a Bicol team that carried a four-game winning streak heading into its home debut.