THE Davao-Go-Duterte Davao City All-Stars banked on its pressure defense to pull off a 94-64 rout victory over Team Tin24 Davao in their tune-up game held at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center basketball gym on Sunday, July 8.
The expected tight match-up became genocide after the Davao City All-Stars mounted a formidable 35-18 lead in the first quarter behind the squad's balance scoring and relentless defense.
From there, the Duterte-Go-Duterte dictated the game and never looked back.
Matoy Madera paced the pack with 10 points as teammate Dale Soriano Brian Mago and Francis Gabriel Escandor combined for 24 points.
Ivan San Diego, Joshua Aguilon, Miguel Pacheco, James Linares, Koi Espiritu, Glen Manlangit, Jason Malinao, Conrad Fernando, Lois Josol, James Doblado and Miguel Plata also scored but asserted their presence in the defensive end.
"Actually the purpose of that game is just really to see kung kaya ba nila i-apply sa real game yung ginagawa nila sa practice," head coach Miggy Solitaria, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said.
Despite the convincing win, the former De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers said there are still aspects they need to improve.
"Like how to defend post players kasi mas maliit tayo lalong lalo na on Kadayawan," said Solitaria, pertaining to University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) teams which will form part in the much-awaited Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament slated August.
On the 30-point lead, Solitaria said: "The score doesn't really mean anything to us. Gusto lang namin gawin yung mga kailangan namin gawin during the game."
Team Tin24, meanwhile, leaned on the service of Christopher "Toping" Jatico who erupted 26 points in a losing effort.
"Kulang din kami ngayon but contender na talaga yung Davao City team. Magaling na sa hassle plays and consistent yung point guard and bigman," Jatico, who promised to bring their A game on their rematch on Tuesday, said.
Meantime, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regional director and presidential adviser for sports Glenn Escandor, who is also the team owner, graced the tune-up game.