DAVAO CITY — Facing a relentless eighth-seed Bicol-LCC Stores, South king Davao Occidental-Cocolife trailed the entirety of the first half of Game One of their 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Cup quarterfinals match-up.
The Volcanoes would even lead by as huge as 13 points in the first half, 34-21, after nine unanswered points. At the half, their advantage stood at nine, 36-27.
Needing answers in the second half, Tigers head coach Don Dulay challenged his wards to increase their level of play in order to come back in the game.
“When a team like Bicol comes out and plays aggressive like that, I expect my guys to fight back. This is playoff basketball, we have to be ready for that… It’s a game of two halves, we were able to adjust,” he said.
Luckily for Dulay, Billy Ray Robles — who was held scoreless in the opening half — heeded the call, leading the comeback of Davao.
The “Ilonggo Superman” dropped 11 points, nine rebounds, three swats, two assists, and a steal, playing energizer for the Tigers.
More importantly, Davao managed to escape the gritty Bicol in Game One of the best-of-three quarterfinals, 77-71, at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Gym here, Monday night.
“Ang focus ko lang noong second half, maka-rebound, dumepensa. Bonus na lang ‘yung points kasi lahat kami dito sa Davao umii-score. Lalo na si Kuya Mark (Yee), tinutulungan na lang namin siya sa depensa,” said Robles.
Trailing 57-58 in the payoff period, Robles put in five points – a reverse layup and a fastbreak three-point play off a steal – in a 7-0 run by the Tigers to create some cushion, 64-58.
The 6-foot combo guard received praise from Dulay, not for his offense, but his ability to lead the squad defensively.
“Once Billy picks up his energy on defense, the whole team follows. It is just a bonus when he scores. As long as his defense is there, I am happy with that.”
“Pinipilit ko talagang sipagan lagi sa depensa kasi sabi nga ni Coach Don, ako raw ‘yung anchor ng defense namin. Kapag maganda raw ang depensa ko, nahahawa ang team,” Robles quipped.
In the other quarterfinals match-up, Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines drew first blood in its series after nipping Batangas-Tanduay, 78-74.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
