The Davao Occidental Tigers recovered from a slow start before clobbering the Quezon City Capitals, 90-78, at Pasig Sports Center Tuesday to gain a share of the lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup.

It was the second straight win for the Tigers, who poured in 31 points in the third quarter to wipe out a 43-39 halftime deficit and catch up with the Muntinlupa Cagers for a 2-0 record in the South division.

That the Tigers did it practically without stars Mike Yee and Bonbon Custodio further accentuated their depth and strength.

Yee brought along the wrong uniform and had to wait for the right one, getting fielded in with 41 seconds to go and the outcome sealed, 88-74. Custodio did not play due to back issues.

Left to carry the offensive burden for the Tigers of coach Don Dulay were Leo Najorda and player of the game Emmanuel Calo, who tallied 21 points each.

The Capitals, who dropped to the cellar with their second straight defeat, drew 15 points from 6-foot-6 center Jeff Morillo, 11 coming in the first quarter, and 14 from 6-foot-4 forward/center Jay Collado.

Veteran Jojo Duncil added 13 points.

Though the Tigers trailed by as many as 12 points, 34-22, Dulay said he was never bothered.

“Our guys were playing nervous in the first half, just like in our first game. If we can play like that for the whole season we will be strong,” he said.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)

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