MPBL: Davao Occidental closes in on Lakan Cup title

Davao Occidental vs San Juan in the MPBL Finals. MPBL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Davao Occidental-Cocolife is one win away from the title after beating San Juan-Go for Gold, 66-57, Saturday for 2-1 lead in the best-of-five finals series of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup.

The Tigers were in control in the fourth, but the defending champion Knights tried to mount a comeback with 8-0 run to get to within three, 56-53.

But Joseph Terso and Kenneth Mocon came through with triples to give Davao Occidental a 62-53 buffer with 3:29 left.

“Our defense came through. We gave only 58 points and if we can play defense like this, we have a big chance,” said Tigers head coach Don Dulay.

Billy Robles had the stat sheets covered with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and one steal to lead the Tigers while Mocon and Bonbon Custodio added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Mike Ayonayon had 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists to lead the Knights while John Wilson added 12 points nine boards.

Game 4 is on Sunday with Davao Occidental needing just one more win to take the title.