Davao Occidental continued its streak in the MPBL Datu Cup after surviving pesky Pasig while Marikina finally snapped an agonizing skid in a pair of contrasting wins late Wednesday night at the MARIST Gymnasium.
The Tigers flirted with disaster, trailing by as much as nine points before completing a come-from-behind 88-82 triumph over the Pirates.
Ex-pro Leo Najorda scored 17 points, including five triples in the fourth. His scoring spree bailed the Cocolife-backed Tigers out of trouble and extended their streak to 11 games.
Davao Occidental improved their win-loss record to 13-3 and kept a hold of the lead in the southern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
The loss was the 13th in 15 games for the Pirates, who continued to stay at the cellar.
In the main game, Marikina finally broke out of a seven-game slump by edging Basilan, 85-82.
It was only the fifth win in 15 games for the Shoemasters, who are trying to move their way up. They are currently at 12th spot in the southern division and their hopes for a playoff berth is getting slimmer.
But Marikina’s win could be the start of something good as the team finally notched a win at home after four failed bids.
Leading the way for the Shoemasters is Ryan Costelo, who had a breakout game finishing with a career-high 24 points.