Arthur dela Cruz is getting better and better as the MPBL Sixth Season progresses.
On Saturday night, the second generation cager came away with a double-double performance and powered the Davao Occidental Tigers in getting back on the winning track with a convincing 79-59 triumph over the Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers at the Calasiao Sports Complex.
Dela Cruz, son of multi-titled PBA player Art dela Cruz, finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds and a +28 in efficiency rating.
With Dela Cruz taking charge both in scoring and rebounding, the Tigers were also able to win the battle of the boards decisively.
Davao Occidental pulled down a total 50 rebounds, 13 more than its counrterpart.
But more than the numbers produced by Dela Cruz, it was the Tigers ferociousness on the defensive end which played a bigger role in Davao Occidental’s latest win, its sixth in eight games.
The Tigers held the Golden Coolers to just 32% shooting from the field (22-of-68).
Biñan edged Pangasinan, 75-72, while Muntinlupa outlasted 1Bataan, 69-63, in the other games.
The Tatak Gel of Biñan stayed tough in the midst of a spirited rally by the Waves, who were in the thick of the fight until the final buzzer.
Biñan had to hold its collective breaths until the final second and watched Hesed Gabo’s triple missing the target before preserving the scary win.
It was the Tatak Gel’s sixth straight win in as many games and remained as one of only few teams that stayed undefeated.
