D-League: Tile Masters zoom to 3-0 start

RAY Robles of Caida drives to the basket off James Mangahas of Wangs. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

UNYIELDING in the endgame, Caida Tiles seized the solo lead while Phoenix-Far Eastern University also stayed unbeaten in two games behind Mike Tolomia’s triple-double in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Tile Masters fought off persistent comeback attempts of Wangs Basketball for a 110-106 victory that gave them their targeted 3-0 start.

“I just told them to play our game and keep running,” coach Caloy Garcia said of his Tile Masters, who nearly blew a 15-point advantage, 65-50, in the second half.  “Luckily, we hit the big shots.”

Caida’s standouts kept the squad afloat as Jiovani Jalalon delivered an all-around outing of 22 points, nine assists, four boards and two steals while Jason Perkins posted a double-double of 19 markers and 14 rebounds.

Tolomia also dropped huge numbers as the Accelerators rallied from 22 points down to stun AMA University Online, 114-102, in the first game.

“They fought for it,” said coach Eric Gonzales after the Accelerators climbed out of a 49-71 hole in the third quarter.