The Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers poured their might and applied their killer instinct to finally score a convincing victory against the Bacoor Strikers, 87-67, as they grabbed the first finals’ berth in the south division of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup over the weekend at the Batangas City Sports Center.
The Tigers will be entering the finals following a masterful 2-O sweep of the Strikers.
Unlike their Game 1 semis come-from-behind win against the stubborn Strikers in a game where Philippine Basketball Association veterans Mark Yee, Bonbon Custodio and Leo Najorda needed to push themselves to the limit, the second game in the semifinals was virtually a breeze as they showed total domination from start to finish.
Davao’s homegrowns also put on a show in Game 2 for the series-clinching win.
Joseph Terso and Emman Calo scored 14 points apiece as the Cocolife Tigers built a huge 47-27 lead at the half en route to the lopsided victory.
The Tigers’ team is owned by Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental LGU, backed by Cocolife President Elmo Nobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan.
“Finally, we’re nearing our goal and we will definitely go for it,” coach Don Dulay said.
The Tigers will face the defending champion Batangas Athletics, who defeated Zamboanga, 80-72, for the south division title of the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao.