Dela Rosa, Simon hand Davao 3rd win

Davao drew huge games from Romeo dela Rosa and Peter Simon as it pummeled Nueva Ecija, 104-93, yesterday in a non-bearing game in the first phase of the 2001 MBA season at the Tinga Gym in Taguig.

Dela Rosa, formerly of the Negros Slashers, and Simon, a rookie, took turns in delivering the killer blows in several explosions in the first half when the Eagles put the Patriots away.

Dela Rosa and Simon each finished with 28 points as Davao closed out its campaign this conference with a 3-11 record.

While Dela Rosa rediscovered his touch, the energetic Simon came up with his best performance in his first year in the league, and probably a confidence-builder come the next phase where the Eagles are expected to bounce back.

Michael Manigo, Bong Marata and Richard Caliao also finished with double digit scores with 17, 11 and 10 points, respectively.

But while Dela Rosa, Simon and Manigo carried the offensive load for Davao, Caliao and Marata took care of the boards after the two finished with a combined rebounds total of 24.

Meanwhile, FedEx Laguna capped its elimination round campaign with an 85-67 triumph over Socsargen. The Lakers, who wound up with a 7-7 card, face the No. 4 team in the next round in a knockout match for the last semifinal berth. — Joey Villar