Davao Occidental made a conscious effort on the defensive end and relentlessly attacked MisOr on every given turn to score a 92-78 victory and coasted its way to the quarterfinals of the PSL President’s Cup.
The Tigers forced the Mustangs to 19 turnovers and converted 20 points from those miscues.
Davao Occidental also scored 44 points inside the shaded area, 24 points more than their rivals.
Ryan Costelo finished with 18 points and dished out five assists while completing two steals.
Bam Gamalinda produced 13 markers on top of six boards and also had two steals while collegiate standouts Winston Ynot and Justine Sanchez combined for 21 points.
With the win, Davao Occidental set up a much-awaited quarterfinals showdown with Nueva Ecija in the quarterfinal round in a battle between two squads familiar with each other.
Don Dulay and his coaching staff composed of former PBA players Matt Makalintal and Rob Wainwright used to comprise the brain thrust of the Tigers team that won championships in the PSL and the MPBL.
Billy Robles and Emman Calo, who used to play for Davao Occidental, are also now playing for Nueva Ecija.
“Every possession, lalaban talaga kami dyan,” said Davao Occidental coach Manu Iñigo. “We’re very excited na makatapat yan kasi galing sa amin yung grupo na yan, mga kaibigan ko mga coaches dyan. Challenging para sa amin, pero we will prepare.”
