By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA—A first quarter shutdown was all Davao Occidental needed to beat Batangas City, 66-48, at the start of the MPBL Southern Division Finals at the Almendras Gym in Davao City on Thursday night.
The Tigers limited the Athletics to just seven points on 3-of-14 shooting in the first quarter, and that turned out to be the key as the hosts held on despite slowing down the rest of the way.
Bonbon Custodio made 13 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for Davao Occidental, which can close out the best-of-three series when it shifts to the Batangas City Sports Center on Saturday night.
Mark Yee added 10 points including an emphatic jam late in the game that helped his team keep its visitor at bay.
Jayson Grimaldo put up 13 points including a dunk of his own with three rebounds, one block, and one steal for Batangas City.
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