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The Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers proved supreme over Caloocan Supremos posting a convincing 76-69 victory in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup Season 3 elimination round recently at Marist Gym in Marikina City.
Newly acquired shooting guard Yvan Ludovice, who easily jelled with the Tigers’ system, poured 10 points in the second half to help the reigning Southern MPBL Datu Cup titlist score a second straight triumph in the early stages of this fast growing regional amateur basketball tournament in the country.
The Supremos started stepping on the gas in the early goings, building a double-digit spread. They were still in control at halftime, led by spitfire Almond Vosotros ‘outside sniping and perimeter shooting.
The Cocolife Tigers tried to neutralize Caloocan in the third canto, led by veteran frontliners Mark Yee, Bogs Raymundo and Bonbon Custodio but with little success.
But the Tigers finally recovered their vaunted defense in the final quarter and applied a fluid offense on the other end to come close and gain command of the game in the crucial stretch.
Newly acquired Tiger sniper Richard Albo sank back-to-back triples, and another insurance trey from star holdover Billy Ray Robles put a dagger on the Supremos’ cause handing a second straight victory to the Mindanao team of Congresswoman Claudine Bautista [Dumper Party List] of Davao Occidental and backed by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and CHD Franze Joie Araque.
“Maagang gumana ang outside shooting ng kalaban. Sabi ni coach tapatan namin at higpitan ang depensa kaya kami nakahabol. Mahusay magdala ang mga veterans namin lalo na sa endgame na humahawa sa aming mga bagito,” said the game’s Best Player Ludovice, who had 13 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists.
Tigers’ official Ray Alao said the management is happy and satisfied with the way their new acquisitions and holdovers have jelled fast in the early goings of the elimination round, in preparation for the tougher challenges ahead in the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao.