Strikers, Tigers triumph

BACOOR, Cavite–The Bacoor Strikers continued to rise while the Davao Occidental Tigers checked their slide in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup Tuesday night at the Strike Gymnasium here.

Highlighting the importance of free throws, the Strikers downed the Laguna Heroes, 91-86, while the Tigers trounced the Cebu City Sharks, 71-64, in come from behind thrillers that enthralled the packed crowd.

The Strikers made their last seven points from charities while the Tigers got their last 10 in similar manner to upstage their rivals, who both led up to the fourth quarter.

Trailing, 73-80, the Strikers struck back through Gabriel Banal, Leonardo de Vera and Christopher Sumalinog to tally their third straight victory and improve to 4-2 in the South division of the 26-team regional league.

The Tigers called on Bonbon Custodio and Billy Robles to erase a 54-59 deficit and got out of a three-game rut for a 3-3 slate.

Banal, a former pro and star of the Mapua Cardinals, scored 25 points, including 10 free throws, snagged 12 rebounds and issued 6 assists to power the Strikers, who also got ample contribution from Mark Montuano with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals.

De Vera wound up with 17 points while Sumalinog chipped in 15 for Coach Buddz Reyes’ Strikers, who overcame a 29-point effort from veteran Denok Miranda.

The Tigers of Coach Don Dulay drew 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals from Reyes, followed by Custodio and Leo Najorda with 13 points each.

With Custodio making 7 of 8 charities and Robles making 6 of 8, the Tigers made 20 of 24 tries for an 83 percent clip.