Mark Yee’s second-half big plays helped Davao Occidental Tigers take Game 1 of the 2019-20 MPBL Lakan Cup Finals against the San Juan Knights in the 2019-20 MPBL Lakan Cup Finals.
Must be the long break that lasted for one year was one of the reasons for Yee’s slow start as he was held down to almost scoreless first half. Actually, not only him but it appears that all of the players from both squads. Both the Knights and the Tigers registered only 30 points each at the end of the first two quarters.
Then on the third and the fourth, the pride of Sagay, Negros Occidental unleashed the basketball skills that made him one of the constant MVP contenders of the league. Before the pandemic, most MPBL fans shown concern about Yee’s status after he suffered an injury, fast forward today, he’s now completely healthy and only the basketball rust from his shoulder he needs to shake to make his complete comeback which seems already happen in their Finals opener.
A three-pointer in the third quarter that changed the momentum of the game towards their side, a three-point play in the final moments of the fourth quarter to keep the close score, and a key steal in the overtime period which deflated the hopes of the Knights to take over the game. Those are some of the highlights of Mark Yee that made him special in the team.
Yee finished the game with 15 points and eight rebounds while teammate Emman Calo added 15 points and five rebounds. June Kenneth Mocon the newly drafted player in the PBA added nine points and six rebounds where most of his damage where felt in the first half.
2018-19 MPBL Datu Cup Most Valuable Player Mike Ayonayon led San Juan with his 27 points and five assists performance while Larry Rodriguez and John Wilson added 9 and 15 points respectively.
Game 2 of the 2019-20 MPBL Lakan Cup is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:00 PM.
San Juan Vs Davao Occ. Box Score
Tigers (77) – Rodriguez 9, Isit 4, Wilson 15, Ayonayon 27, Tajonera 3, Reyes 2, Pelayo 2, Estrella 2, Clarito 9, Gabawan 2
Knights (75) – Saldua 2, Ludovice 2, Calo 15, Robles 9, Yee 15, Mocon 9, Custodio 12, Balagtas 6, Terso 5, Gaco 2