Davao Occidental Tigers survived Imus Bandera—GLC Truck's furious fight-back in the second half to hack out a 75-71 win in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Thursday.

Imus came close to stealing the game when Bonbon Custodio knotted the score at 59-all following a pair of free throws midway in the fourth quarter.

But the Tigers surged ahead to register their first victory thanks to ex-GlobalPort Batang Pier Mark Yee and Leo Najorda.

Davao Occidental led for a majority of the game, but was limited by Jerry Codinera's Imus squad to 12 points in the third quarter.

Former Rain Or Shine player Billy Robles led the Tigers with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.

Yee came off the bench with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Najorda added 12.

Yee acknowledged David Occidental became lax with its defense in the second half.

"Nag-relax kami sa depensa lalo na noong third quarter, fourth quarter kaya nakabalik pa sila," he said.

Imus' homegrown player Jeff Tajonera had 13 points for the Bandera.

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