Defense keys Cocolife Tigers’ win

The Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers clamped down on the enemy’s potential bombers right from the start to pull off a 47-28 win over listless Zamboanga and defend its own turf in the Game 1 of their semis playoffs in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season Monday night at jampacked Rizal Memorial College Gym in Davao City.

 Tigers’ role player Emman Calo, big man Bogs Raymundo, veterans Bonbon Custodio and Billy Robles and neophyte Chester Saldua effectively sealed all possible attacks by the Chavacanos, who were limited to only 5 points in the first period, a new record low in the league.

It was a total disarray for the visitors as Zambo gunner Alvin Pasaol could only shoot a three-pointer, with little help from his teammates Anton Asistio, Aaron Black and Harold Arboleda as Zamboanga set the league’s lowest score at the half with 11 points.

Kenneth Mocon, Marco Balagtas and Robles exploded in the third canto, while bulky Jerwin Gaco manned the paint well en route to a  convincing victory to gain the upperhand, 1-0, for the team of Dumper Party List Rep. Claudine Bautista and backed by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque.

Zamboanga’s 28 points against a stingy Davao defense was lowest-scoring game by a team in the league organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

“Whatever the figure is, it’s still a win, a product of our defense as formulated by our coach Don ( Dulay),” said team manager Dinko Bautista .

Davao Cocolife played minus acknowledged leader King Tiger Mark Yee, who sat out with an  ankle injury he got from a quarterfinal playoff game against Bicol Volcanoes.

“Defense was the key. Ang aming panalo ay para sa Davaoenos at lahat ng fans na sumusuporta  sa lahat ng laban namin. This is also for kuya Mark (Yee),” said game’s Best Player Calo.

Game 2 will be held in a neutral ground at the Strike Gym in Bacoor City on March 5.