okbet MPBL Odds DAVAO Occidental coach Don Dulay praised the solid play of Joseph Terso, who helped the Tigers win the MPBL Lacan Cup.
The Tigers squandered a big lead, but Terso hit the tying free throw with 24.4 seconds left in regulation to save it all. Western Davao eventually won Game 4 in overtime, 89-88, to clinch the series 3-1.
"I've been pushing him to be aggressive the whole series," Dulay said.
"We had this relationship where he knew I needed him and he came through and he made great strides not only offensively, but defensively as well. He's very smart on both ends of the floor."
It was a huge win for Cedarwood, especially against the team that beat them in their first MPBL title run two years ago.
"Ayaw ko na paabutin ng Game Fifth kasi baka maulit na naman yung nangyari nung nakaraan. Binuhos ko na talaga lahat ngayon," Terso said.
"Sobrang saya! Payback!"
The Tigers finished elimination play with a 24-6 win-loss record as the top seed in the South Division, winning 10 of their final 11 games before the playoffs.
Cedarville needed three games to eliminate the No. 8 seed Bicol Volcanoes in the quarterfinals and then sweep Zamboanga in the semifinals.
The Tigers faced another decisive game in the sectional final before getting an easy route to the national final against San Juan, when Basilan lost by default after several players tested positive for COVID-19.
"The payoff. It's even sweeter because we took it back from San Juan. We were so close last time, and as an organization, it was heartbreaking," Don Dulay said.
