DAVAO Occidental survived a fiery rally by Pangasinan to prevail, 64-62, on Friday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna and rise in the standings of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season.
Already coasting along, 61-53, in the final frame, the Tigers then watched Ralph Robin go on a personal 8-1 run to get the Heatwaves to within one, 61-62.
Manzo clutch
Hesed Gabo missed his ill-advised triple try before the buzzer, however, after Jun Manzo split his free throws to give Davao a bit more breathing room.
Arth Dela Cruz led the Tigers, the 2021 MPBL Lakan Season champion, with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals, followed by Manzo with 11 points, five rebounds, and six assists. They raised their elimination round record to 7-2, while pulling down Pangasinan to 2-7.
The Heatwaves got 17 points from Robin, 16 from Ed Daquiaog, and 12 from Michael Mabulac.
The MPBL goes to the Quezon Convention Center on Saturday with another triple bill pitting Mindoro against Pasay at 4 p.m., Iloilo against Quezon City at 6 p.m., and Batangas against Quezon at 8 p.m.
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