Jiovanni Jalalon and Roider Cabrera. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Caida opened its season in style, downing Tanduay, 90-79 to begin the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at San Juan Arena.
“It’s nice to win the first game. The players are still adjusting, and I think the players have to work more on their defense,” said Tile Masters coach Caloy Garcia. “We just hope that we continue our run in the coming games.”
Jiovani Jalalon paced Caida with 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Chris Javier added 16 markers and seven boards. Billy Robles also poured six of his 16 points in the final period, when the Tile Masters finally broke away for good.
The trio conspired for a 10-0 run to turn a slim 76-73 lead in the final 2:23 to an 83-73 advantage.
The Tile Masters capitalized on two costly turnovers from Tanduay, which basically sealed the game for good.
Ryan Wetherell paced the Rhum Masters with 21 points, 10 coming in the fourth, to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Pari Llagas and Joseph Eriobu both had 11 in the defeat.
The Scores:
CAIDA 90 – Jalalon 17, Javier 16, Robles 14, Cabrera 9, Terso 7, Maiquez 6, Perkins 6, Lozada 4, Ruaya 4, Grey 3, Gabawan 2, Pasculado 2.
TANDUAY 79 – Wetherell 21, Eriobu 11, Llagas 11, Celda 9, Lingganay 8, Pessumal 6, Gotladera 4, Javillonar 3, Tagarda 3, Santos 2, Cenal 1, Belencion 0.
Quarters: 28-23, 50-46, 64-62, 90-79.