Sanga Scores 38 as Royals Snap Skid, Edge Past Patriots

Paul Sanga poured in a season-high 38 points to lead the Iloilo United Royals to an 81-75 victory over the Parañaque Patriots on Wednesday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at One Arena Cainta, Rizal.

The veteran from Far Eastern University was unstoppable in the third quarter, drilling six triples—four consecutively—as he outscored the entire Parañaque bench, 23-15, propelling Iloilo to a 63-52 lead heading into the final quarter.

The Patriots rallied in the fourth, closing a 16-point gap in just over six minutes to briefly seize the lead, 70-69, after holding Iloilo to only two points.

However, the United Royals responded with a decisive 12-5 finishing run, fueled by Sanga and Richard Velchez, ending a five-game losing streak and improving their record to 2-8 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Sanga finished with eight triples, six rebounds, and three assists, earning best player honors over Velchez, who added eight points, nine rebounds, and two assists.

“I just wanted to make an impact after coming back from my hand injury against Manila,” said Sanga, referring to Iloilo’s 101-96 win on April 29 at the Baliwag Star Arena.

Other contributors for Iloilo included James Sena with seven points and 11 rebounds, Carl Sumalacay with seven points and six rebounds, Jasper Longalong with seven points and two rebounds, and Alexis Himan adding seven points.

Parañaque, which led 24-19 early, fell to its 10th consecutive loss despite strong performances from Domark Matillano (19 points, three rebounds, two assists) and Joseph Terso (15 points, four assists, two rebounds).

The MPBL continues Thursday at the Malolos Convention Center with Zamboanga vs. Pasig at 4 p.m., Ilagan Isabela vs. Quezon Province at 6 p.m., and host Bulacan taking on Caloocan at 8 p.m.