Davao Occidental outplayed Roxas, 63-59, in the inaugural staging of the Cocolife Pilipinas Super League (PSL) powered by Smart 5G at the Dipolog City Sports Center Friday.
Robby Celiz finished with a double-double performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds on top of two assists, one steal and three blocks.
Calo chipped in 12 points and 10 boards while Dab Dagangon contributed 12 points for the Tigers, who pulled away from a 38-35 lead to 54-43 late in the third.
The Vanguards, however, refused to give up the fight and launched a defensive assault in the final stretch to cut the Tigers’ lead down to four, 63-59, with 21.3 seconds left.
Two missed free throws from Davao’s John Wilson could have given Roxas the chance, but its efforts went futile.
Prior to the game, a simple opening ceremony took place to officially launch the newest regional basketball league.
A cultural presentation and a dance production highlighted the opening before Mayor Darel Uy expressed his gratitude to the PSL for choosing his city as the inauguration site.
“The holding of the PSL games here in Dipolog is therefore extra special to us and all basketball fans who truly missed watching live action on the court,” Uy said.
Also present were PSL President Rocky Chan, PSL Chief Executive Officer Dinko Bautista and Commissioner Marc Pingris, who also announced that the inaugural conference champion will take home P2 million.
The runner-up will pocket P1 million, while the third placer will get P500,000.
Participating teams are Basilan-BRT, Pagadian Explorers, Roxas Vanguards, Cagayan De Oro Higalas, Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife, Lapu-Lapu City Chiefs-ARQ Builders, Bicol Spicy Oragons, and Cagayan Valley Golden Eagles.