Davao Occidental Tigers vs Imus Banderas-GLC Truck & Equi. Photo from Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Two Mindanao teams made a successful debut Thursday night in the Maharlika Basketball League Datu Cup at Alonte Sports Arena.
The Davao Occidental Tigers nipped Imus Bandera, 75-71.
Ex-pros Billy Robles and Mark Yee paced the Tigers with 15 and 13 points, respectively, while combining for 21 of Davao Occidental’s 57 rebounds.
Leo Najorda added 12 points and seven boards while Bogs Raymundo had 10 points.
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes overcame the hosts Laguna Heroes, 86-80.
Reed Juntilla exploded for 30 points that went with six rebounds and five assists for the Valientes.
Denok Miranda had 26 points in the loss for the Heroes.
Davao Occidental and Zamboanga joined early winners Batangas City, Marikina, Caloocan and Muntinlupa.