MANILA – Davao Occidental-Cocolife Tigers forced a do-or-die in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan South Division Finals via an 81-76 win over Basilan-Jumbo Plastic Steel in Game 2 at the Lamitan City Gym in Basilan.
With the score tied at 74-all following a basket by Basilan’s Allyn Bulanadi on Wednesday night, the Tigers notched the advantage at 77-74. This was after a three-point conversion by Ilonggo guard Billy Ray Robles before Bulanadi cut the deficit to 76-77 with a twinner.
Davao Occidental widened the lead to 79-76 after a basket by Bonifacio Custodio but Bulanadi misfired his three-point try for Basilan.
Negrense Mark Yee then iced the win for the Tigers with two free throws.
“We were doing good but Basilan is bound to come back. They are big shotmakers. But our guys fought tonight with our backs against the wall and I can’t be more proud,” said Tigers head coach Don Dulay.
For Davao Occidental squad, Eman Calo tallied 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals while Richard Albo was a revelation off the bench with 14 markers on 5-of-8 shooting.
Jhaps Bautista, meanwhile, tallied 24 points, six boards and four dimes for Basilan while Jay Collado had 21 markers and eight rebounds.
Makati Super Crunch also stretched the North Division Finals to a do-or-die Game 3 after an 81-78 Game 2 win over San Juan-Go For Gold Knights.
Jeckster Apinan had 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for Makati./PN
