THE Iloilo United Royals banked on the tandem of Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot to climb out of a deep hole and subdue the Muntinlupa Cagers, 80-72, in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.

Sanchez and Ynot, both bound for St. Benilde in the NCAA and allowed to play in the 29-team league under the SGL (Special Guest License) issued by the Games and Amusements Board outscored the Cagers, 15-14, in the fourth quarter to power the Royals to a 3-5 record after a woeful 0-4 start.

The 6-foot-5 Sanchez poured seven points and the 6-foot-1 Ynot, both products of the San Beda basketball program, drilled in the dagger triple in a lethal 10-1 run that sealed the outcome, 80-69, with 1 minute and 9 seconds left.

Ynot wound up with 18 points and 3 rebounds, while Sanchez finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists for the Royals, who completed their climb from a 19-point deficit (16-35) midway of the second quarter.

CJ Catapusan and Joshua Flores added nine points each while Neil Tolentino and JR Ongteco contributed eight each for Iloilo, which is showing improvement under Coach Manu Inigo.

Muntinlupa, which suffered its third straight loss after winning its first five, got 18 points from Manuel Mosqueda and 16 from Dave Moralde.

Earlier, the Sarangani Marlins wasted a 22-point spread in regulation but kept their poise to stun the Quezon Huskers, 92-87, in overtime.

Jefferson Comia forced the extension with a drive in the last 23.7 seconds, 81-81, then scored four points in extra time to help the Marlins snap a four-game slide and improve to 3-4.

Veteran Jeff Viernes scored 18 points for Sarangani, followed by Jordan Sta. Ana with 12 and Nemesis Dela Cruz with 11. Comia finished with 8 points.

The Huskers, who saw their seven-game run end unexpectedly, got 22 points, spiked by 6 triples, from Alfrancis Tamsi, 15 from Ximone Sandagon, 14 points and 14 rebounds from Raffy Verano and 9 points plus 11 rebounds from Jeric Teng.

Caloocan Batang Kankaloo subdued the Bataan Risers, 77-71, in the opener to raise its record to 5-2.

Gabby Espinas posted 14 points, Jomar Santos 13, Mac Baracael 12 and Joco Tayongtong 10 for the Batang Kankaloo, who used a 72-56 lead to cushion the impact of Bataan’s final assault.

Bataan, with Yves Sazon contributing 14 points and Jamil Gabawan adding 11, dropped to a 4-4 slate.

The MPBL returns to the Olivarez College Gym after a three-year absence with a triple bill pitting Bicol against Bulacan at 4 p.m., Nueva Ecija against Marikina at 6 p.m. and Manila against Paranaque at 8 p.m.