Davao Cocolife Tigers’ homegrown talent Emman Calo played his best game in the league so far, leading his team to an 87-75 victory over the visiting San Juan Knights in the recent Vis-Min Invasion elimination round of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Rizal Memorial College Gym in Davao City.
Calo’s outside sniping and fastbreak points, to go with Cebuano star Billy Robles and former PBA veteran Leo Najorda’s offensive thrusts and Bogart Raymundo’s excellent defense in the other end prevented the north division leader San Juan Knights from defeating the Tigers right in their den.
The sterling victory of the Mindanao team owned by Claudine Bautista of Davao LGU, backed by Cocolife president Elmo Nobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan, solidified their record to 15-3, while the erstwhile northern top team skidded to 15-4, behind new leader Manila Stars (15-3) and Bataan Risers (15-2).
San Juan’s go-to-guy, former PBA role player Larry Rodriguez, was limited to only 14 points against the Tigers’ defense.
“Not in our house. We will never allow them to invade our territory,” said Calo, whose three treys in the endgame, broke the Knights’ armour. Calo was eventually awarded as the game’s Best Player in the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao.
