The Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers got back to life by snapping its losing skid, toppling the Cebu Sharks, 71-64, in the elimination round of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Bacoor Sports Center on Monday night.
Former PBA players Bonbon Custodio, Leo Najorda and Mark Yee did the demolition job as they came up with a total of 35 points for the Cocolife-backed squad.
The win was highlighted by the final-quarter explosion of Billy Ray Robles, who tallied 14 points and 8 rebounds.
The Sharks held a hairline lead at halftime, thanks to John Abad’s 11 points in the first and second quarters.
Neither of the teams gave an upperhand in the third as they closed the quarter at 52-all heading into the final period.
Veterans Najorda and Custodio then exploited their trips at the stripe in the deciding endgame as the team held a comfortable 6-point cushion under two minutes left to finally seal the victory for the team owned by Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental LGU and supported by Cocolife President Elmo Nobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan.
Cebu’s streak-shooter Patrick Cabahug carried his team to within three, but he lost the ball in the stretch as MVP Custodio calmly sank the two insurance free throws.
“Galing kami ng team building after three losses, so focused lang kami before the game,” said Custodio, who tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
The win brought back the Tigers, managed by Bong Bharibar and Ray Alao, in strong contention for the next round with a 3-3 record, while pinning down the Sharks in a precarious situation with only a win to show in six games in the South Division of the tournament organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.