Not in our own turf!
This strong message was sent by Davao Occidental-COCOLIFE Tigers to the visiting Valenzuela Idols after posting a convincing victory at home, 92-85, in the Vis -Min Invasion of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League recently at USEP Gym in Davao City.
PBA veterans Bonbon Custodio, Leo Najorda, Mark Yee and prized catch Billy Robles combined efforts in containing the strength of the visitors from Metro Manila as they displayed endgame brilliance en route to the Tigers’ fifth victory in eight games.
Najorda’s back-to-back baskets with 5:03 in the final quarter broke the momentum of Valenzuela, followed by Custodio’s strong attacks to the basket in the ensuing plays, putting the team in safer grounds.
Their efforts preserved the win for the home team, owned by Claudine Bautista of Davao Occ. local government unit, backed by COCOLIFE president Elmo Nobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan.
“Kailangan namin manalo, lalo na dito sa homecourt. Nasunod ang game-plan nina coach at pinaigting ang depensa kaya kami nanalo,” said game’s Best Player Robles.
The win also pushed the team, managed by Bhong Baribar and Ray Alao, in strong contention for the next round in the South Division of the league organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.