47-28.
DAVAO CITY — That was the final score of Game One of the best-of-three semifinals bout between South kings Davao Occidental-Cocolife and fifth seed Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines, with the home team Tigers coming out on top.
Defense was the name of the game for Davao on Monday night here at the RMC Petrogazz Arena. They let their foes set multiple records — all in the wrong way.
“I have never seen anything like this as a coach, or even as a player. So I got to give it to my coaching staff, they did a good job scouting — and of course to the players,” said Tigers head coach Don Dulay.
The Family’s Brand Sardines-backed squad set an all-time final score low with just 28 points — 14 less than previous record-holder Marikina, with 42 against Cebu last season.
Zamboanga also had the least points in a half with just 11 points at the break, surpassing Marikina’s 13.
Together with the Tigers, they set an all-time low in points scored combined with just 75 — 17 less than previous record 92.
Despite everyone throwing bricks and missing easy shots, Emman Calo proved himself as the offensive sparkplug for Davao. He finished as the lone double-figure scorer in the game with 12 points, on top of seven rebounds and two steals.
Still, he was quick to reiterate that defense is their main focus.
“Bonus lang sa akin ‘yung score. We focused on our team defense talaga. Wala namang mananalo sa puro offense lang eh.”
Besides the records, Davao also held the fifth seed to just single digit in points in three quarters.
Zamboanga only made eight field goals out of their 60 attempts, good for just 13.3 percent.
“Yes sir! Defense wins championships!” Dulay quipped.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photos by Thel Suliva
