Cocolife Tigers rout Volcanoes

The Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers got back to their deadly form by silencing the Bicol Volcanoes, 88-76, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup -South Division Thursday at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Angeles City.

Frontliners Mark Yee, Bonbon Custodio, Billy Robles, Bogs Raymundo and Marco Balagtas unleashed their fiery run-and-gun-offense and scorching defense in the early goings to control a potential eruption by the Volcanoes. They went on to build 20-point leads en route to another lopsided victory after absorbing a close defeat to Pampanga, which ended their streak last week.

Veteran Yee posted his 29th double-double in the league,  scoring 19 points and hauling 10 rebounds for the 12th win in 14 outings of the Tigers, owned by Dumper Party List Congresswoman Claudine Bautista, and backed by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque.

Bicolanos Ronjay Buenafe, JR Ongteco and Alwyn Alday put up a minor uprising in the second half, but were hampered by the out-of-the-playing court officials’ decision slapped on their head coach Monel Kallos.

“Sipag, tiyaga, focus and defense ang puhunan para manalo. Diin din sa endgame para makabawi at huwag magkumpiysnsa kahit malaki ang lamang,” said the Game’s Best Player Yee.

Deputy team manager Ray Alao said the boys learned from their Pampanga setback as coach Don Dulay put on a “killer instinct” motivation that yielded a positive result for the Tigers, who blasted the GenSan Warriors after, followed by their annihilation of Bicol.