PASSI CITY, Iloilo – Davao Occidental Tigers used a huge endgame spurt to pull off an 89-76 win over the Iloilo United Royals in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Saturday night at the City of Passi Arena.
After seeing its double-digit edge trimmed to 67-70, the Tigers came up with baskets from Mark Yee, Bonbon Custodio, Joseph Terso, and Angelus Raymundo as the lead went up to as high as 15 points.
Negrense Yee finished the match with double-double 23 points and 16 rebounds while Yvan Ludovice and Custodio added 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
The Tigers improved to 16-2.
The Royals actually had a strong start in the game. They led 22-16 but the Tigers quickly restored order in the second period with consecutive hits for a 45 32 halftime score.
The lead grew further for Davao Occidental in the second half but the Iloilo did not easy gave up. It countered with a rally to come to within 67-70 before the Tigers can up with a huge finishing kick.
Richard Escoto finished with 19 points. Al Francis Tamsi and John Mahari added 15 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Royals dropped to 9-7 win-loss slate in the South Division.
Meanwhile, Manila Stars pulled off a 73-72 escape over the Pasay Voyagers. Gabby Espinas finished with 18 markers for the Stars./PN
