Davao Tigers claw Sardines in Lakan Cup

Fifth win and counting.

The Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers scored another convincing victory, dominating Bacolod Master Sardines, 85-74, in the elimination round of the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup Saturday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Newcomer James Forrester exploded for the first time since donning the Tigers’ jersey of team owner Dumper Party List Congresswoman Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental, backed by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque.

He topscored with 16 points, 6 rebounds and an assist for the team’s fifth win in six outings.

Tigers’ slotman Mark Yee came through with another sterling performance of 15 points and a rebound away from an MPBL milestone of 500 rebounds.

Yee had help coming from Billy Robles, Joseph Terso and Richard Albo as the Tigers built a double-digit lead of 54-37 –their biggest—in the middle of the third canto, where coach Don Dulay again applied his vaunted full court pressure.

Bacolod’s Jopher Custodio caught fire beyond the arc with Jaypee Cawilan and Loie Medalla as they tried to close the gap but  to no avail as Davao Cocolife Tigers preserved their second straight lopsided victory after burying the Rizal Crusaders, 86-55, last week.

The Tigers now share the lead in the overall standings with Bacoor Strikers (5-1) in the South Division.

“As a newcomer, it’s time to prove my worth. I’ve got to be aggressive and I started at a right footing to be consistent,” said Forester, a former Arellano University standout in the NCAA and a Ginebra Gin King in PBA.

Dulay praised his wards for their performance every game in preparation for the bigger challenges ahead in the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao