Davao Occidental coach Don Dulay has taken extra precaution with injured skipper Mark Yee ever since he sustained a partial MCL tear and a torn calf three weeks ago.
“We just play him when needed,” said Dulay, who has praised Yee’s ability to play through the pain over the course of the Chooks-to-Go MPBL playoffs.
With Zamboanga mounting a late charge in Game 2 of their South division semifinal series, Dulay once again turned to his battle-tested veteran for a crucial basket that keyed a 62-58 win at Strike Gym in Bacoor City and punched the Tigers’ ticket to the division finals.
Yee scored on a tough turnaround shot with a minute remaining to restore a seven-point advantage as the Tigers completed a sweep of the Family’s Brand Sardines-backed squad.
Kenneth Mocon spearheaded Davao’s attack with 14 points, including eight in the final period where the Tigers led by as many as 14 points only for Zamboanga to claw its way back into the contest.
Yee played just 12 minutes but finished with four points, five rebounds and three assists.
Meanwhile, Bacoor staved off elimination after an 80-69 thumping of Basilan in Game 2.