San Juan-Go for Gold trips Iloilo in thrilling game

San Juan-Go for Gold escaped with a 70-67 win over the Iloilo United in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season, on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Down 12 early in the fourth, Iloilo rallied behind the shotmaking of Rey Publico who scored five points in a 12-1 salvo that brought them to within one, 67-68, with just 59 ticks to go. Iloilo even had a shot at taking the lead after a solid defensive stand forced a 24-second shot clock violation.

However, San Juan’s Mike Ayonayon stood tall on defense and blocked a floater from Aaron Jeruta. Forward Jhonard Clarito, who was fouled by Alfrancis Tamsi with 3.2 seconds left, made two important free throws to give San Juan a three-point cushion. Publico then missed a potential game-tying trey with 2.4 ticks to hand San Juan the thrilling victory.

“Sabi ko nga, a win is a win. Pero siyempre, IloIlo ‘yan. May sistema, lahat kumpleto, coaching staff, players. Bigay ko yung credit sa kanila, ready talaga sila buti na lang na-shoot ni Jhonard [Clarito] yung huli,” said San Juan head coach Randy Alcantanra.

Clarito filled the stat-sheet up with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four steals for the league-leading San Juan, who now stands at 24-3 in the Northern Division – a game in front of the second-running Manila-Frontrow.

John Wilson chipped in 12 points but made just 4-of-17 from the field. He did however, add eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Orlan Wamar also had 12 markers while Ayonayon finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Publico finished with a double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds for the 16-11 IloIlo, who is now tied with Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines for the fifth spot in the South Division.

Richard Escoto provided 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four steals while Tamsi had 10 points and four rebounds in a losing effort.

The Scores:

San Juan-Go-for-Gold (70) – Clarito 22, Wilson 12, Wamar 12, Ayonayon 11, Aquino 8, Rodriguez 4, Bunag 1, Victoria 0, Reyes 0, Isit 0, Subido 0, Estrella 0, Tajonera 0

IloIlo-United (67) – Publico 17, Escoto 13, Tamsi 10, Prado 7, Jaboneta 4, Arambulo 4, Jeruta 3, Gumaru 3, de Joya 3, Mahari 0, Rodriguez 0, Pantin 0, Racho 0

Quarterscores: 16-20, 42-33, 61-51, 70-67