MPBL: Davao forces rubber match

by Kristel Satumbaga

Davao Occidental banked on the all-around plays of Billy Robles in toppling San Juan City, 77-66, to forge a deciding Game 5 for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup title at The Arena in San Juan City on Monday night.

The 6-foot guard scattered 12 of his career-high 22 points in the pivotal fourth period to keep the Tigers’ title bid alive in Game 4 of their best-of-five titular showdown.

Robles also collared 18 rebounds and dished off three assists.

Game 5 will be held in Davao Occidental’s homecourt at the Rizal Memorial College gym on Thursday for the championship crown.

Mark Yee also provided the spark for the Tigers after draining 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds even as Joseph Terso finished with 11 points including a crucial putback in the last 1:12 to put the Tigers into a comfortable 72-63 lead.