THE Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers is ready to clash against the Cebu City Sharks in Game 1 of their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup playoffs slated 9 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Petro Gazz Arena.
Team manager Bhong Baribar, in a phone interview with SunStar Davao Wednesday, said: “We are all focused on Game 1 of the playoffs. With regards to the health condition of the players, so far so good. Everybody is ready.”
He said that the Tigers, currently third in the overall team standings with a 20-win, five-loss card, can’t be complacent against the struggling 11-14 Sharks.
Baribar also said that their game plan is never focused on any particular player, saying, “Everyone will play the game as a team.”
Thus, he called on Davao fans to witness the game and cheer for the only Davao region team in the league.
“It’s a big help coming from the fans. Diha mi gakuha kusog sa mga fans to support us. Gi-free namo to everyone para sa masuportahan mi (The fans give us strength to keep going. It’s a free admission to everyone, we hope they come and support the team),” he said, adding that spectators will still get tickets as items will still be raffled off.
The Tigers arrived Sunday and has been practicing at the playing venue every day. They will hold a practice session at 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Davao Occidental, coached by Don Dulay, won its last game opposite Muntinlupa Cagers, 88-82, while Cebu City lost against Quezon City Capitals, 68-75.
Leo Najorda and Mark Yee, who both have been leading the scoring for the Tigers, are expected to deliver. Najorda has average of 14.67 points per game while Yee has 13.6 points per game.
The team is also composed of Mario Leonida, Bob Clu Ombecan, Sandy Ceñal, James Earl Regalado, Alexander James Asis, Leo Paller, Jr., Bonbon Custodio, Miko Estrellante, Jerald Cabañog, Joseph Terso, Emanuel Calo, Arnold Adormeo, Billy Robles, Manuelito Osabel, Louie Medalla, Ronald Lamocha, Bogs Raymundo,
John Moises Gonzales and Patrick Mariano.