Reigning southern division champion Davao Occidental and Pasay went through different routes late Thursday night but managed to sustain their winning runs in the MPBL Lakan Season following contrasting wins over their rivals.
The Cocolife-backed Tigers walked the tightrope before pulling the rug from under a tough Cebu Sharks squad, 65-61, to extend their winning streak to eight.
But Davao Occidental had to do it the hard way and needed a heroic performance from Joseph Terso, who knocked in all of his team’s last eight points and powered the Tigers to their 10th win in 11 games to keep the solo 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.
On the brink of losing for the second time this season, Davao Occidental looked for a spark entering the final two-minute mark and Terso responded.
His triple in the 1:25 mark of the fourth, shoved his team within striking distance, 61-60.
Terso was not done yet, hitting another cold-blooded trey that put the Tigers on the driver’s seat and capped his endgame brilliance with two more charities that ensured the win for Davao Occidental.
If Davao had to do it via the backdoor, Pasay had an easier time disposing of winless SOCCSKSARGEN, 70-54, in the other game.
It was the fourth straight win of the Voyagers, who climbed up to sixth spot in the tough northern division.
Pasay improved its win-loss record to 7-5 while handing the Marlins their 11th loss in as many games.
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