La Salle’s Jason Perkins. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
JASON Perkins made a quick impact as the top rookie pick helped Caida Tiles hold off AMA University Online’s late rally, 103-84, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Perkins, the 6-foot-4 power forward from De La Salle University, pumped in nine of his 16 points in the final quarter to put the Tile Masters back in control after the Titans trimmed their double-digit cushion to just three points, 81-78.
“The nice thing is the players’ confidence didn’t waver and they worked hard for it,” said coach Caloy Garcia as the Titans grabbed the early lead with a 2-0 record.
University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner also picked up back-to-back wins with a 102-86 victory over Tanduay in the second game.
With Kevin Ferrer at the helm, the Maroons staged a 15-4 run to erect a 21-point lead, 98-77, in the final two minutes.
“We’re at 80 percent, but the team is blending well,” said UP-QRS Jam coach Bert dela Rosa. “Our defense, we’re trying to perfect it.”
Ferrer topscored with 19 points and tallied four rebounds and four assists, while Paul Desiderio added 16 points for the Maroons.
Before the Titans’ late surge, the Tile Masters built a 17-point spread, 57-40, with Joseph Terso also chipping in 12 points.
Jonathan Grey, who also stepped up in the final stretch, finished with 11 markers, six boards and five assists for the Tile Masters.
“We were lucky that this was AMA’s first game and the first half was a learning process for them,” said Garcia.
The scores:
First Game
CAIDA TILES 103—Perkins 16, Terso 12, Grey 11, Jalalon 10, Javier 9, Robles 9, Nambatac 8, Cabrera 6, Lozada 6, Maiquez 6, Pascual 5, Pasculado 3, Corpuz 2, Gabawan 0.
AMA 84—McCarthy 16, King 14, Dagangon 10, Jamito 10, Romero 8, Tampus 8, Balucanag 7, Dela Cruz 5, Sargent 4, Hernandez 2, Arambulo 0, Carpio 0, Castro 0, Jordan 0.
Quarters: 34-21, 52-40, 74-65, 103-84
Second Game
UP QRS/ JAM LINER 102—Ferrer 19, Desiderio 16, Neypes 12, Sorela 12, Aguilar 9, Soyud 9, Batino 8, Baloria 6, Moralde 6, Alolino 3, Harris 2, Asilum 0, Dario 0, Vito 0.
TANDUAY 86—Wetherell 19, Eriobu 13, Gotladera 12, Celda 9, Javillonar 9, Belencion 8, Pessumal 5, Lingganay 4, Llagas 4, Koga 3, Santos 0, Tagarda 0.
Quarters: 21-13, 37-34, 74-63, 102-86