Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Caida Tiles coach Caloy Garcia expects to see more of his players take charge when the Tile Masters target the solo lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday.
“I want that all my players get a chance to play,” said Garcia. “In the long run, you have to use those players, and it’s just going to be an advantage on our part.”
The Tile Masters, who had different players stepping up in their first two wins, clash with Wangs Basketball at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Phoenix Petroleum-Far Eastern University, also hoping for back-to-back victories, tangles with AMA University Online in the first match at 2 p.m.
Despite proving to be a solid contender, the Tile Masters hope to work more on their team chemistry.
“It’s hard to say which team is the strongest, but I like our chances,” said Garcia. “It’s important that we jell. Even if you have the talent, if the players don’t jell, it won’t work.”
The Tile Masters kicked off their campaign with varsity standouts Jiovani Jalalon of Arellano University, and Chris Javier of University of the East towing them to a 90-79 drubbing of Tanduay Rhum.
Jason Perkins, this season’s top rookie pick, took over in their next outing along with Jonathan Grey as the Tile Masters dumped AMA University, 103-84, for a 2-0 start.
But the Couriers try to play spoiler early after getting a boost in their 97-88 overtime win against Mindanao last Thursday.
Phoenix-FEU, meanwhile, goes for a strong follow-up to its 37-point blasting of Wangs Basketball, 107-70, last week.
Mac Belo, the UAAP Finals MVP, led the FEU players who starred for the Accelerators. Like the 6-foot-4 Belo, Raymar Jose, Russel Escoto, Achie Iñigo, and Alfrancis Tamsi chipped in double figures.