Davao-Zamboanga Low-Scoring Game 1: The Numbers

Six years ago, the Adamson Soaring Falcons were held to 25 points on six for 25 field goal shooting by the National University Bulldogs in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Who would have thought that it can happen in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)? More importantly, in a playoff game?

The reigning South Division champions Davao Occidental Tigers were held to a new season-low 47 points but still managed to move within a win away from the South Division Finals as they took a 47-28 win over the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines to open their best-of-three semifinals series. In effect, that 28-point outing by Alvin Pasaol and company became the lowest output for any MPBL team in a game.  But how bad was it?

It was really bad for both but only worse for Zamboanga.

Davao's defense held Zamboanga to only 11 points in the first 20 minutes of the game and was held scoreless in the final seven minutes. In short, Zamboanga couldn't get anything going at all.

Davao was Shooting "Better"

Indeed, the Tigers were better shooters in this game.

They shot 27% from the field, 30% from the two-point area, and 23% from the three-point territory. In contrast, the Sardines only nailed eight of their 60 attempts from the field. They also went five for 32 from the two-point area and three for 28 from downtown. That's a lot of bricks, don't you think?

Alvin Pasaol, a guy who was averaging 17 points a contest during the regular season, was limited to just four points on two for 10 field goal shooting. The only area where the Sardines shot better than the Tigers? The free-throw line where Zamboanga shot nine for 14. 

Other Numbers that Mattered for Davao

While Coach Don Dulay was relieved that Davao was able to get the win despite a subpar offensive game, Davao did better in most parts. They were plus five in the rebounds, plus eight in assists, and plus six in fast-break points. They also had nine steals and were +10 in bench points. When you think about it, it's definitely an ugly win but as an old basketball saying goes, "an ugly win is still a win."

Then again, if you're targeting a return to the MPBL Finals, you can't just be contented with an ugly win, right? 

Photo is from the Facebook page of the MPBL