Tigers, Knights keep 2-3 spots

MANILA, Philippines — Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife and San Juan Knights posted contrasting wins Thursday to remain at second and third places in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic gym.

The Tigers mauled the hapless Muntinlupa Defenders, 108-50, while the Knights squeaked past the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, 72-70.

Five players scored in double figures for Davao Occidental, who led by as many as 60 points following a Jerwin Gaco triple in the last 35 seconds, 108-48.

Keith Agovida and John Wilson spearheaded the Tigers with 18 and 16 points, Billy Ray Robles chipped in 11 points, and Aldwin Alday and Gaco added 10 points each.

The Tigers, who bounced back from a stinging 76-69 loss to Burlington EOG Sports Wednesday, improved to 7-2 at second while the Defenders skidded to their eighth consecutive defeat in as many appearances.

San Juan, meanwhile, banked on split freethrows from Larry Rodriguez and Orlan Omar in the last 26 seconds en route to its sixth win against two losses.

Jun Manzo finished with 16 points and six boards, while Jhonard Clarito and Omar scored 14 and 12 for the Knights, who dealt the Realtors their fourth defeat in eight matches.

In the other match, Jeff Viernes pumped in 21 points including six triples to lead MTrans Batangas City past 7A Primus, 82-75.

MTrans also got a big lift from Chito Jaime, who had 14 points and seven boards, as well as Pamboy Raymundo, who finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Marc Paolo Javillonar was the lone double-digit scorer with 18 points for 7A Primus, who fell to 2-7.