PBA IMAGES
Caida Tile made sure it won’t have any problems advancing to the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals after dispatching AMA University, 122-97, Tuesday at San Juan Arena.
With the Titans closing the gap at halftime, 51-47, the Tile Masters unleashed a scathing 42-point third period to break away and lead by as much as 27, 85-58.
Jason Perkins led the charge with 17 points and three rebounds, while Philip Paniamogan went on a 4-of-6 shooting from threes to end up with 16 markers.
Jiovani Jalalon had a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists to along with four rebounds, while Rey Nambatac and Jamil Gabawan both got 10 markers each.
“We have to be consistent,” said coach Caloy Garcia to his wards. “We played a good first quarter, followed the game plan, but when the second group came in the second quarter, we gave too many layups. That’s why in the third we put some pressure and played some defense.”
Caida Tile will face either Phoenix-FEU or BDO-NU in a best-of-three semifinals series.
“In the semis, we can’t afford to be relaxed and complacent on our defense,” said Garcia.
Rashawn McCarthy carried AMA in a losing effort with 20 points, while Jerramy King flirted with a triple-double with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
The scores:
CAIDA TILE 122 – Perkins 17, Paniamogan 16, Gabawan 10, Jalalon 10, Nambatac 10, Robles 9, Ruaya 9, Maiquez 8, Cabrera 7, Grey 7, Terso 7, Parala 5, Javier 4, Lozada 3.
AMA UNIVERSITY 97 – McCarthy 20, Jamito 16, King 16, Jordan 14, De Leon 12, Angeles 6, Asuncion 4, Gutierrez 3, Magpantay 2, Tampus 2, Tobias 2, Carpio 0.
Quarters: 32-20, 51-47, 93-70, 122-97.