MPBL: Tigers advance, Athletics live another day

BATANGAS CITY – Davao Occidental had a trouble-free ride reaching the championship round of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup south division after defeating Bacoor, 87-67, even as Batangas City lived to fight another day following a 67-57 dumping of Zamboanga late Saturday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Joseph Terso stepped up big time and knocked in four treys on his way to finishing with 14 points while Mark Yee continued his MVP-type of games with yet another double-double performance.

Eman Calo tallied 14 markers while Leo Najorda chipped in 13 markers and four steals.

Yee had another double-double effort with 12 points and 11 rebounds while also swatting away five shots. He helped the Cocolife-backed Tigers complete a two-game sweep of the Strikers.

Davao Occidental awaits the winner of the Batangas City-Zamboanga series which was extended following the Tanduay-backed Athletics’ big bounce back victory at home.

Jeff Viernes scattered 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Jhaymo Eguilos chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Athletics.