CJ Aiken. PBA IMAGES
Columbian proved its opening-day win was no fluke after cruising past NLEX, 123-103, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
CJ Aiken, who is under evaluation by the Columbian management, made a good account of himself with 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the field, including 3-of-3 from downtown, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Aiken, who underwhelmed in his PBA debut after scoring only nine points, went on a personal 8-0 run capped by a dunk to extend the Dyip’s lead back to 20, 116-96, with only 3:05 left and keep NLEX at bay for good.
“I really can’t help but be in awe especially on the defensive end. I couldn’t ask for more,” said Columbian coach Ricky Dandan, whose squad improved to 2-1. “We had a lot of mistakes that’s for sure but the collective effort defensively, the adjustments they made when nlex made a rally was just all there.”
The locals also stepped up for Columbian with guards Reden Celda, Jerramy King and Rashawn McCarthy running circles around NLEX.
Celda had 26 points, four rebounds and four assists, King scored 23 points while McCarthy flirted with a triple-double, collecting 13 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists.
Adrian Forbes led NLEX, which made its conference debut after its semifinals run in the Philippine Cup, with 26 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks. JR Quiñahan posted 20 points in 24 minutes off the bench.
The Road Warriors scored the first basket of the game but never led since. They turned the ball over 25 times while the Dyip only had 12.