Spirited teamwork and sound tactical play combined in good measure to give Mekong Tigers a thumping 81-62 win over Emperors in the first of the three-match quarterfinal playoff series in the Cambodia Basketball League at Olympic Stadium Indoor Arena on Sunday.

The victory was all the sweeter for Tigers because they went down to the Emperors with a buzzer-beater during the league phase.

The other game featured on the day saw Extra Joss Fighters punish NSK Dream in their 85-66 win.

In Saturday’s opener, holders Pate Phnom Penh 310 cleaned up Woods Peppermint Lozenges 74-49.

Kim Ran was Pate’s man of the hour with four blocks, six assists, 13 rebounds and 11 points.

Davies Megacryl turned their contest against Magellan Knights into a one-way street, winning 83-50.