The Makati Skyscrapers survived Davao Occidental-Cocolife's furious fightback to hammer out a 79-77 win in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, on Thursday.

Cedrick Ablaza came off the bench to finish with 22 points, including 3 triples, to go with his 8 rebounds while giving the Skyscrapers their third win in 4 games.

Philip Paniamogan and Jeckster Apinan helped out with 16 and 13 points, respectively, amid the Davao Occidental's stifling second half defense.

Makati erected a double-digit lead but the rampaging Tigers pulled within 2 points just a few seconds remaining following a couple of free throws by Mark Yee.

Davao Occidental eventually fell short and succumbed to its second defeat in 4 games.

Meanwhile, Alvin Vitug sank the game winner and gave the
Rizal Crusaders—Xentro Mall their first victory of the tournament, frustrating the Laguna Khra Heroes at home 80-79.

Laguna led 79-78 with just 4.9 seconds to go following Denok Miranda's layup.

But Vitug got a timely assist from Erik de la Cuesta and sank the floater that gave Rizal its first win in 4 games.

Vitug finished the game with 21 points.

With the loss, the Heroes fell to 2-2.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.