Tayongtong shines as Capitals flush Royals

ANGELES CITY—Joco Tayongtong knew he would have a larger role for Quezon City after fellow point guards Hesed Gabo and Andoy Estrella moved to other teams during the offseason.

After a quiet first three games, Tayongtong delivered a strong response last Saturday night as the Capitals turned back the Iloilo Royals, 84-80, for their second win in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at Angeles University Foundation Gym here.

Rising to the challenge posed by coach Vis Valencia, Tayongtong took charge in the first half and finished with 20 points while Mon Mabayo contributed 12 points, including a cushion basket with 1:23 remaining as the Capitals bounced back from a defeat to Valenzuela last Monday.

“I have to embrace the role as the leader of this team,” said Tayongtong, a former Emilio Aguinaldo College and Arellano U standout. “We lost a lot of great players that’s why it’s important for me to step up and help my new teammates.”

The Capitals were cruising after a three pointer from former Ateneo standout Zags Gonzaga pushed their lead to 80-63 with five minutes remaining.