Billy Ray Robles took charge as Davao Occidental-Cocolife moved on the cusp of the MPBL Lakan Cup title after staving off San Juan-Go For Gold, 66-58, in Game 3 of the National Finals on Saturday, March 20.
Former PBA standout Robles fired 13 points to pace a balanced offense while also tallying eight rebounds, four blocks, two assists and a steal, pushing the Tigers to a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five championship series of the season backed by Chooks to Go.
Kenneth Mocon scored 11 points even as ex-pro Bonbon Custodio added 10 markers, six boards and three dimes as the two kept Davao afloat in the closing stretch.
Veteran forward Mark Yee chipped in seven points and 11 rebounds while Jerwin Gaco also contributed seven markers in the huge win.
But Davao head coach Don Dulay pointed out his men's defense that kept them ahead after holding an advantage as high as 14 points in the first half.
"Our defense came through. We gave only 58 points and if we can play defense like this, we have a big chance," said Dulay, whose Tigers can dethrone the Knights and avenge their Datu Cup finals defeat in Game 4 on Sunday, March 21 at 4 p.m.
Davao mounted a 41-27 lead after the first two quarters but Mike Ayonayon sparked San Juan's 11-1 surge to close within 39-42.
Custodio came to the Tigers' rescue, igniting an 8-1 run to restore a twin-digit buffer, 50-40, late in the third period before they held on until the end.
Ayonayon, also a PBA standout for the NLEX Road Warriors, led the Knights with 16 points built on four treys while former pro John Wilson had 12 markers and nine rebounds.
The scores:
Davao Occidental 66 - Robles 13, Mocon 11, Custodio 10, Yee 7, Gaco 7, Calo 6, Ludovice 6, Terso 3, Saldua 2, Balagtas 1.
San Juan 58 - Ayonayon 16, Wilson 12, Wamar 8, Rodriguez 6, Isit 5, Clarito 5, Reyes 4, Pelayo 2, Aquino 0, Gabawan 0, Tajonera, Marquez, Estrella 0.
Quarter scores: 15-14, 41-27, 52-42, 66-58