Ex-PBA star Leo Najorda lifts Davao to 11th straight win

MANILA, Philippines — Three years removed from playing in the PBA, Leo Najorda spent the past few years playing in “ligang labas” or small-time commercial leagues in different parts of the country.

In the MPBL, he has found a new sanctuary and on Wednesday night, he proved to all and sundry he deserves to play in big-time basketball league. 

The multiple PBA champion scored 17 points, including five triples while steering his team, the Davao Occidental Tigers to a come-from- behind 88-82 triumph over the Pasig Pirates.

The Tigers had to earn their 11th straight win the hard way as they fought back from a nine-point deficit early in the fourth before Najorda, who won championships as a member of Red Bull and San Mig Coffee in the PBA, caught fire at the right time.

With Najorda hitting timely baskets, Davao Occidental improved its win-loss record to 13-3 and kept a hold of the lead in the southern division of this tournament put up by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

The loss was the 13th in 15 games for the Pirates, who continued to stay at the cellar.

Marikina snapped an agonizing seven-game losing skid, after the home team edged Basilan, 85-82.

It was only the fifth win in 15 games for the Shoemasters, who won their first game at home after five tries.

They are currently at 12th spot in the southern division and their hope for a playoff berth is getting slimmer.

Leading the way for the Shoemasters is Ryan Costelo, who had a breakout game finishing with a career-high 24 points.