Davao Occidental rips Soccsksargen to gain share of southern division lead

DAVAO Occidental had a slow start but finished strong, routing SOCCSKSARGEN, 104-75, in the MPBL Lakan Season on Monday night at the Navotas Sports Complex.

The Tigers outscored the Marlins, 36-13, in the final period on their way to scoring their fourth consecutive win.

The reigning southern division champion Davao Occidental improved its win-loss record to 6-1, gaining a share of the lead with Bacoor.

Mark Yee posted his 25th double-double in the MPBL, finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Yee also became only the second player to register at least 500 rebounds and 500 points in the league.

Also winning Monday were host team Navotas and General Santos City.

The Clutch returned home since their last game was aborted when league officials declared the venue unplayable. In their comeback game, Navotas didn’t disappoint its home fans as it whipped Nueva Ecija, 125-97.

The Clutch posted the best highest output in the league, surpassing the 120-point production it set in last season’s Datu Cup. The Clutch also hit 55.2-percent from the field (42of-61), also an all-time high made by any squad.

Navotas drew a careerhigh 24 points from Jhong Bondoc, who shot 3 for 3 from beyond the arc.

General Santos City picked up its third straight win under new coach Rich Alvarez as the Warriors held off a late rally by Mindoro, 88-80.

The Warriors improved their win-loss record to 6-2 and climbed to solo third in the southern division. Spin.ph