MANILA, Philippines — Davao Occidental, Zamboanga, and Pampanga stretched their win runs Tuesday (Dec. 17) to further bolster their playoffs drive in the Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season at Bahayang Pag-asa Gym in Valenzuela City.

The Davao Occidental Tigers repulsed the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, 75-71, to keep top spot in the South division and share the best record with North division pacesetter San Juan Knights at 20-3.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns, on the other hand,  tripped the Pasay Voyagers, 75-65, to climb to 15-9 in the North while Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines trounced Valenzuela Carga backload Solution, 85-78, to rise to 15-10 in the South.

Meanwhile, in games Wednesday the Bulacan Kuyas nipped Batangas City Athletics, 82-81; as did Quezon City Capitals, 77-76, over Marikina Shoemasters while Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards defeated Paranaque Patriots, 85-81.

In games Thursday, Binan Luxxe White Krah prevailed over Caloocan Supremos, 72-68; and Bataan Risers triumphed over Basilan Steel, 91-83.

It was the fourth straight victory for Davao Occidental, the third in a row for Zamboanga, and the second consecutive for Pampanga, pushing all of them inside the top 8 of each division which will advance to the playoffs.

Their aim now is to make the top 4 and gain the homecourt advantage in the playoffs.

The Tigers met stiff resistance from the Realtors, who was still ahead (67-64) going to the last five minutes.

Showing why he’s among the leaders in the MVP race, Mark Yee tallied game-highs 22 points and 16 rebounds for the Cocolife-supported Tigers.

Yee was supported by Yvan Ludovice with 11 points and 5 rebounds and Bonbon Custodio with 10 points and 4 assists. (IAMIGO/CNS)