Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Caida Tile fended off a late scare from Wangs to come away with a 110-106 win and take solo lead in 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at San Juan Arena.
Jiovani Jalalon once again starred for the undefeated Tile Masters with 22 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and two steals, while top rookie pick Jason Perkins got a double-double with 19 markers and 14 boards before fouling out late.
Jonathan Grey scored 17 points, while Chris Javier and Billy Robles both had 10 markers apiece.
“I just told them to play our game and keep running. Luckily, we were able to hit the big shots in the end. The thing with close games like this is we got to learn from it, experience it, and be better the next time,” said coach Caloy Garcia, whose team improved to 3-0.
After the Tile Masters led by as much as 15, 65-50, midway in the third, the Couriers went on a surge and eventually tied the game at 97 with 2:27 left in the fourth quarter on two free throws by John Montemayor.
Caida answered back with Perkins hitting an open three and a pair of charities to extend the Tile Masters’ lead to five, 102-97.
James Mangahas tallied a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds for Wangs (1-2), while Francis Munsayac and John Montemayor added 18 points each.
The scores:
CAIDA TILE 110 – Jalalon 22, Perkins 19, Grey 17, Javier 10, Robles 10, Nambatac 9, Maiquez 8, Gabawan 4, Terso 4, Lozada 3, Cabrera 2, Pascual 2, Corpuz 0, Pasculado 0.
WANGS BASKETBALL 106 – Mangahas 18, Jo. Montemayor 18, Munsayac 18, Publico 15, Capacio 12, Bautista 9, Ilad 5, Vijandre 4, Namocatcat 3, Tumalip 3, Banal 1, Cueto 0, Je. Montemayor 0.
Quarters: 28-24, 52-47, 77-71, 110-106.