Davao Occidental exacts revenge on San Juan, clinches MPBL title

The Davao Occidental Tigers defeated the San Juan Knights 89-88 in overtime to win the MPBL Lakan Cup championship in Game 4 of their best-of-five finals series in Subic on Sunday, March 21.

Mark Yee hit the game-winning three-pointer with 14 seconds remaining in overtime, putting the Tigers ahead 89-88 after San Juan had taken an 88-86 lead moments earlier on a Larry Rodriguez basket. Yee then forced a turnover on San Juan's subsequent possession, securing the victory for Davao Occidental.

Yee finished the game with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Eman Calo led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points and 2 steals. Billy Ray Robles contributed 11 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals, while Joseph Terso added 11 points and 4 assists. Marco Balagtas scored all 8 of his points in the 4th quarter.

For the defending champion San Juan Knights, Larry Rodriguez scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 2 blocks. He scored 6 of San Juan's 8 points in overtime and gave them the late lead before committing a crucial turnover and fouling out with 30 seconds left. The Knights severely missed Mike Ayonayon, who was limited to only 11 minutes and 3 points due to an injury that kept him out for the entire second half and overtime.

The win allowed Davao Occidental to avenge their finals loss to San Juan from the previous season.