MANILA – Davao Occidental Tigers proved to be the steadier team down the stretch as it staves off Bicol Volcanoes, 64-56, in the do-or-die Game 3 showdown of the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League quarterfinals at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena in Davao City on Feb. 26.
With the “go hard or go home” game stretched to extension period after free throw conversions by Bicol in regulation time, the Tigers surged to a 60-56 advantage on a layup by Negrense Mark Yee and two free throws by Richard Albo.
As the Volcanoes were unable to find their shooting range, the Tigers went on to further the advantage to eight points on free throws from Emman Calo and June Mocon.
Bonifacio Custodio spearheaded the victory for the Tigers with 14 points, Jerwin Gaco chipped in 10 markers and eight rebounds, while Ilonggo Billy Ray Robles and Calo had nine points each.
Jeffrey Ryan Ongteco, meanwhile, tallied 16 points and seven rebounds, while Alwyn Alday added 15 markers and nine boards for the Volcanoes in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines pulled off a 69-52 victory over Batangas-Tanduay Athletics in their highly-physical do-or-die quarterfinals clash.
Holding on to a slim 50-46 cushion early in the final frame, Zamboanga went on a 17-4 scoring run behind Robin Rono and Harold Arboleda to gain a 67-50 lead with over two minutes left.
Arboleda finished the match with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Anton Asistio and Leonard Santillan contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for the victors./PN
