DEFENDING champion Davao Occidental pulled off a thrilling 88-85 decision over hard-fighting Boracay last Wednesday night in the opening match of the Pilipinas Super League Pro Division- Second Conference Dumper Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Proving steadier in stretches that mattered, the Tigers’ Kyt Jimenez canned two free throws off an unsportsmanlike foul on the Islanders’ KG Canaleta and followed it up with a clutch jumper that made it an 86-83 count in the final 1:26 after Boracay briefly took an 83-82 lead on a Johnsherick Estrada layup.
Larry Rodriguez’s basket padded Davao’s lead to 88-83 in the ensuing play, only 54.6 ticks left that took the fight out of Boracay.
Keith Agovida wound up with a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Tigers, while Bonbon Custodio chipped in 17 markers, four boards, six assists, and two steals.
In the other game, Sta. Rosa Laguna ripped Cagayan De Oro-PSP 100-62 behind a more balanced attack.
