DavOcc blasts Zamboanga to widen MPBL South lead

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Davao Occidental zoomed past Zamboanga, 93-68, to bolster its Southern Division lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Valenzuela City Astrodome on Tuesday night.

The Tigers cruised to their ninth straight win by stifling the Valientes from start to finish, although the latter threatened in the third quarter.

DavOcc limited Zamboanga to just 24 points at halftime--11 in the second quarter--while opening a 20-point lead as the team was on track for a huge blowout.

However, the Valientes recovered in the third quarter, dropping 27 points on the Tigers, to cut the lead down to 10, 61-51, entering the fourth.

DavOcc then sizzled in the fourth quarter, scoring 32 points to pull away for good.

Mark Yee tallied 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for the Tigers, who moved up to 11-2, one full game ahead of the Muntinlupa Cagers for the top spot in the South.

Reed Juntilla, Jonathan Parreno, and Leo Avenido made 12 markers each for Zamboanga, which fell to 6-8. 

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