By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo)
7 p.m. – Manila vs Makati
9 p.m. – Rizal vs Pasay
Unheralded Emmanuel Calo emerged as the unlikely source of production as Davao Occidental rallied past Quezon City, 90-78, on Tuesday night for a share of the early lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Datu Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.
Calo, a University of Visayas stalwart, stole the spotlight from his heralded teammates, pumping in 21 points, the same output of former pro league veteran Leo Najorda, and helping the Tigers secure their second straight victory in a tie with the idle Muntinlupa Cagers atop the South Division.
Calo added six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 23 quality minutes of play, filling up with ease the void left by injured guard Bonbon Custodio who’s been sidelined by a nagging back injury.
“We had a good start but it was still far from what I want,” said Tigers coach Don Dulay, still unimpressed after his wards trailed by as many as 12 points early on before they turned things around with a rejuvenated showing in the second half.
Davao Occidental guard Billy Ray Robles overcame a sluggish shooting performance by scattering 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocks that more than made up for his seven-point production on a poor 2-of-13 clip.
Sharing the day’s spotlight with the Tigers were the visiting Laguna Heroes, who spoiled the home debut of the Pasig City Pirates, 83-75.
Diminutive guard Jai Reyes stood tallest with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal while veteran backcourt partner Denok Miranda tallied 15 points and four rebounds as the Heroes bounced back from an 86-80 loss to the Zamboanga Valientes nearly two weeks ago.
Marlon Monte finished with 17 points while Mark Carongoy tallied 15 points off the bench but the Pirates still ran out of steam down the stretch, leading to their second straight setback.
