King stars as Columbian blasts Blackwater in PBA Comms’ Cup opener

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Columbian Dyip ushered in a new era for the Kia Motors franchise as planned.

The Dyip opened the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup in style after trouncing the Blackwater Elite, 126-98, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With its import CJ Aiken having little to show on the offensive end, Columbian found an unlikely weapon in Jerramy King.

King, whom the Dyip picked up from the free agent pool, erupted for a career-best 30 points that went with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

“Good to win the first game, but I expected the game to be more of a grind than anything else, but our guys blew them out with our energy,” said Columbian coach Ricky Dandan. “But more than anything else, it’s the attitude of the guys and that’s one change that’s welcome.”

The 27-year-old King, whom Rain or Shine did not re-sign at the end of the Philippine Cup, led Columbian’s breakaway in the third quarter. He hit a 3-pointer that made it, 81-61, at the 4:53 mark that capped a 22-6 run.

The Elite cut the deficit down to single-digits, 92-83, after a three-point play by Jarrid Famous, but the Dyip quickly responded with a 17-6 blast to regain a 20-point lead,109-89, with 4:23 remaining.

Rashawn McCarthy added 22 points and six assists for Columbian, which forced 33 turnovers.

Columbian had 22 steals, which is the second most in PBA history, as per the league’s chief statistician Fidel Mangonon.

Aiken only scored nine but he did collect 22 rebounds and six steals.

Famous finished with 35 points, 22 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Maliksi had 22 points.