Davao Occidental extended its winning run to nine games by beating Zamboanga even as host team Valenzuela scuttled Mandaluyong in the MPBL Datu Cup late Tuesday night at the Valenzuela Astrodome.
The Cocolife-backed Tigers demolished the Family’s Brand Sardines-supported Valientes, 93-68, to fortify its hold of the solo spot in the southern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Mark Yee, one of the few ex-pros playing for the Tigers, came up with another double-double performance of 25 points and 12 boards to help power his team to its 11th win in 14 games.
The Tigers shot 50-percent from the field (39-of-78). They were also more active in getting the rebounds as they clobbered the Valientes in the battle of the boards, 53-30. Davao Occidental unleashed its superiority by playing better as a team, dishing out 13 more assists than Zamboanga, 29-16.
But the Tigers’ win was nearly overshadowed by Valenzuela’s 78-64 victory over struggling Mandaluyong.
