Unbeaten Davao wrests solo lead

DAVAO City – The Professional Davao Eagles waxed hot early in the fourth quarter and went on to score a 97-87 victory over Cagayan de Oro Tuesday night that gave them the solo lead in the MBA National Conference at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Gym here.

It was the second straight win for the Eagles in the Southern Conference, becoming the only unbeaten team in the eight-team field.

Led by Cid White and Billy Mamaril, the Eagles broke loose with a 13-2 blast that gave them their biggest spread at 84-68. It was smooth sailing for the Eagles from there as they played with cohesion and composure.

White wound up with 22 points, while the 6-foot-6 Mamaril added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Eagles of coach Bong Go, who duplicated their 76-65 conquest of the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Sunday night.

With 6-foot-4 1/2 rookie Jon Dan Salvador helping Mamaril tend the boards, the Eagles also posted a commanding 63-49 edge in rebounds over the taller Amigos, who suffered their second straight defeat.

Glenn Peter Yap chipped in 15 points while Salvador added 12 on top of 12 rebounds in a balanced show a firepower by the Eagles.

Former NCAA MVP Ernani Epondulan topscored for the Amigos with 19 points, followed by Roel Buenaventura with 14.

The game was tight up to the third quarter, 71-66, before White and Mamaril found their range.

The Eagles seek a repeat over the Gems at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow when action shifts to the Mindanao Polytechnic Gym. The Amigos will try to recover when they meet the RCPI Negros Slashers at 6 p.m.