CEBU, Philippines — The Tigers fired an early warning shot to their rivals on their serious title campaign after they shocked the two-time defending champion Eagles, 88-85, at the start of the Elite Basketball Club-Cebu City Season 17 at the Visayas Glass gym in Barangay Guadalupe.
Chris Obeso came up with a solid double-double show of 17 points and 11 rebounds laced with two assists, one steal and one block in an all-around performance for the Tigers that earned him the Best Player of the Game honors.
John Cabahug and Marsun Tabay each scored 16 for the Tigers, who blew hot and cold before fending off the Eagles.
The Tigers surged to a 38-31 lead at halftime, but the Eagles countered with a 27-14 blitz in the third stanza to grab the upper hand, 58-52, heading into the final 10-minute mark of the contest.
The Tigers, however, fought steadier down the final stretch, outpointing the Eagles, 36-27, to grind through a three-point victory.
Randy de la Pisa piled up 23 points, while JL Manila and Jose Allan Dimco connived for 21 markers in a losing effort for the Eagles.
Earlier, Roy Quiachon unloaded 21 points and seven rebounds to power the Wolves to a 83-67 demolition of the Hawks.
Ian Cabañero chipped in 16 markers while Daboy del Rosario and Paul Terrecampo added 10 points apiece for the Wolves, who clobbered the Hawks in the final half, 51-30, to come up with a 26-point blowout. EBV