Basilan Steel big man Dennis Daa. MPBL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippnes–One of the oldest players in the league at 40 years old, Basilan Steel big man Dennis Daa has seen his minutes dwindle with the emergence of young talent in the Chooks to Go MPBL Lakan Cup.
But with the Steel shorthanded for their duel with North division powerhouse Pasig-Sta. Lucia, the former PBA player rolled back the years, proving he could still do some damage on both ends of the floor.
Daa delivered his finest game of the season with 13 points, eight rebounds and four steals as the Steel subdued the Realtors, 89-83, last Tuesday night at Bulacan Capitol Gym to climb to fourth spot in the South division.
“He provides us with a lot of leadership,” said Basilan coach Jerson Cabiltes of the 6-foot-5 Daa, who came into the game averaging 5.3 points in almost 10 minutes per game. “He’s steady and for a young team like ours, that’s badly needed.”
Basilan raised its record to 16-9, leapfrogging past Iloilo and General Santos for the No. 4 spot in the South division.
The opportunity opened up for Daa after Allyn Bulanadi, Mark Bringas and Shaq Alanes all missed the game due to injuries, while Chris Dumapig was ill.
Saving the blushes of teammate Gab Dagangon, who held on to the ball for too long and was unable to get a clear shot at the end of regulation,
Daa scored four points in a 7-0 swing to give Basilan a five-point 83-78 advantage with 2:44 remaining in overtime.
Interestingly, Daa played his best game against a team sponsored by the company that also gave him his first break in the PBA in 2007 in Sta. Lucia Realty.
“I’m hoping we can continue improving in our remaining games,” said Daa. Meanwhile, Muntinlupa-Angelis Resort kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a 90-86 victory over Imus-Luxxe Slim while the Bulacan Kuyas firmed up their hold of the No. 4 spot in the North division after stopping Sarangani Province, 76-69, for a 16-8 record.