Caida, UP begin D-League bid in style

Raymond Ilagan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Caida Tiles paraded its top rookie while its topnotch veterans also delivered for a 90-79 ripping of Tanduay Rhum at the start of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Varsity standouts Jiovani Jalalon and Chris Javier presided in a decisive windup as the Tile Masters outscored the Rhum Masters, 22-11, in the last five minutes.

“Everyone is still adjusting. I think the players have to work more on their defense,” said Caida coach Caloy Garcia, who also unveiled Jason Perkins, this season’s No. 1 Draft pick.

University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner similarly played tough in the endgame to slip past BDO-National University, 90-85, in the second match.

Raymond Aguilar—who had a double-double output of 18 points and 13 rebounds—broke the game’s final deadlock with a triple, 84-81. He knocked in another clutch trey with 26.9 seconds left, 89-85, to cushion a one-point edge.

Paul Desiderio fueled the Maroons’ third-quarter turnaround to finish with 24 points.

“It was tough, playing our first game and blending different styles,” said team consultant Joe Ward of the Maroons, who were also beefed up by collegiate stars Kevin Ferrer and Gelo Alolino.

Jalalon, the Arellano guard known for dropping triple-double games in the NCAA, delivered 17 points on top of nine assists and five rebounds to lead the Tile Masters.

Javier finished with 16 points and seven boards while Perkins debuted with six points and nine rebounds.

The scores:
First Game
CAIDA TILES 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