Davao Occidental-Cocolife moved closer to the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan trophy after taking down defending champion San Juan-Go for Gold in Game 3, 66-58, Saturday at Subic Bay Gymnasium.

With Davao Occidental leading 56-45 in the payoff period, the defending champions dropped 8 unanswered points to move within three, 56-53.

But back-to-back treys from Joseph Terso and Kenneth Mocon kept the Tigers afloat with 3:29 left, 62-53.

"Our defense came through. We gave only 58 points and if we can play defense like this, we have a big chance," said Davao head coach Don Dulay.

Down 41-27 entering the second half, the Knights went on a searing 11-1 run topped by successive triples by Mike Ayonayon to trim their deficit to just 3, 42-39.

But Bonbon Custodio came in for the Tigers to restore order, going on a personal 8-1 rally to push their lead back to double digits 50-40 with 1:39 left in the quarter.

Billy Robles stuffed the stat sheet for Davao with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists, and a steal before cramping up.

Also coming through was Mocon with 11 markers while Custodio chipped in 10, all in the second half.

The Tigers shot 26-of-37 from the charity stripe while San Juan only made 11-of-24.

Ayonayon led the Knights anew with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists but with 3 turnovers.

John Wilson unloaded 12 points and 9 boards but went a measly 4-of-15 from the field.

Box Scores:

Davao Occidental 66 - Robles 13, Mocon 11, Custodio 10, Yee 7, Gaco 7, Calo 6, Ludovice 6, Terso 3, Saldua 2, Balagtas 1.

San Juan 58 - Ayonayon 16, Wilson 12, Wamar 8, Rodriguez 6, Isit 5, Clarito 5, Reyes 4, Pelayo 2, Aquino 0, Gabawan 0, Tajonera, Marquez, Estrella 0.

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