THE Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife, playing its first home game Saturday evening at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym in Bo. Obrero, Davao City, roared to its fifth win by devouring the Valenzuela CDO Idol Cheesedogs, 92-85, in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup 2018.
Thus, the Tigers grabbed the third with a 5-3 win-loss card while the Bulacan Kuyas (6-2) and Manila Stars (6-1) took the first two places in the current team standings.
Valenzuela slumped to 22nd with a 2-4 mark.
Winning big at home meant a lot for the Tigers, the only MPBL team from Mindanao.
“Valenzuela is a very tough team. Like what I said ‘win at all cost,’ right? We prepared them mentally to be ready for this game, when tired, never give up,” Tigers head coach Don Dulay said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao.
Dulay said he told the players before the game to play for the city, play with their hearts and play with pride. “That's what happened,” he said.
Billy Ray “The Ilonggo Superman” Robles was hailed the Powerade best player of the game after erupting with 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
“Yung mindset lang namin kailangan naming manalo kasi homecourt namin at sundin lang namin yung advice ni coach at yung depensa,” the former PBA player said.
Bonbon Custodio added 18 while Mark Yee and Leo Najorda added identical 13 points.
Chris de Chavez and Floyd Dedicatoria sank 15 each for Valenzuela.
The Tigers made a 20-13 run in the first frame but the Idol Cheesedogs cut the lead, 27-29.
Valenzuela drew crucial plays in the third period, challenging the Tigers until the final canto but the latter proved resilient, answering back when their rivals attack the basket.
The Tigers' pulled away, 83-74, barely 1:19 minutes left and never looked back to secure the win to the resounding cheers of the appreciative Davao fans.
Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife went to Malita, Davao Occidental yesterday and was set to conduct a free basketball clinic children there.
The team will next play Pasay Voyagers on September 19.
In the curtain raiser, the Pasig Pirates escaped past Rizal Crusaders, 81-78.