Victories usher in new eras
MANILA—If just for this game Bo Perasol proved himself right.
Showing no signs of needing big man Asi Taulava, Perasol’s Powerade crew posted the first upset of the young PBA Philippine Cup by dominating Rain or Shine, 111-103, Wednesday night with Gary David’s 25 points leading the Tigers at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Perasol turned the Tigers into a running crew and they immediately reaped the benefits of the philosophy change, leading practically all the way in stunning what has been tipped as one of the best rebuilt teams in the offseason.
In the second game, Talk ‘N Text also showed it can win without former top gunner Mac Cardona as it held off defending champion Derby Ace, 87-76.
The Texters used a strong second period to gain control and then defended against pocket rallies by the Llamados to seal the victory.
Cardona was traded to new team Meralco and hit the game-winner in a 73-72 victory over Barangay Ginebra on opening night.
The Texters were not wanting in firepower, though, as Jared Dillinger fired 18 points and Harvey Carey added 17 points and 17 boards.
The Tigers, on the other hand, hardly missed Taulava’s post presence as they transformed themselves into an efficient running machine.
“I was kind of worried that we committed so many turnovers,” Perasol told reporters after the first game. “But this was the tradeoff of the kind of philosophy we would like implemented in the team, and that is to run.”
Perasol never got his squad to do that with Taulava around and boldly defied all critics by shipping the perennial RP Team center and one-time MVP to Meralco in a lopsided deal.
At least for last night, Perasol was able to drive home his point.
“For as long as I am coach, I will do everything in my power to take out those players (who can’t play according to my philosophy),” Perasol said. “Whether I win or lose as a coach, it is my responsibility.”
David hit 11 of 16 shots and Mark Macapagal backed him up with 19 even as three others, including Asi’s replacement, Rob Reyes, fired 10 points each.
Rookie swingman Sean Anthony finished with six points and grabbed a night-high 12 rebounds for the Tigers. Photo by Mark Giongco
The scores:
First Game
POWERADE 111—David 25, Macapagal 19, Reyes 10, Lanete 10, Antonio 10, Ritualo 8, Espino 7, Anthony 6, Mendoza 6, Calimag 4, Gonzales 3, Laure 2, Reyes 1, Rizada 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 103—Rodriguez 23, Kramer 19, Norwood 17, Mercado 14, Arana 10, Vanlandingham 6, Buguia 4, Jazul 3, Chan 3, Tang 2, Ferriols 2, Cruz 0, Ibañes 0.
Quarters: 30-28, 60-53, 87-79, 111-103
Second Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 87—Dillinger 18, Carey 17, Castro 13, Reyes 12, Fonacier 11, Aban 6, Peek 4, Williams 3, Alapag 3.
DERBY ACE 76—Villanueva 20, Simon 18, Yap J. 13, Salvador 9, Maierhofer 6, Yap R. 4, Allado 4, Canaleta 2, Timberlake 0.
Quarters: 17-23, 44-36, 70-59, 87-76
First Game
POWERADE 111—David 25, Macapagal 19, Reyes 10, Lanete 10, Antonio 10, Ritualo 8, Espino 7, Anthony 6, Mendoza 6, Calimag 4, Gonzales 3, Laure 2, Reyes 1, Rizada 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 103—Rodriguez 23, Kramer 19, Norwood 17, Mercado 14, Arana 10, Vanlandingham 6, Buguia 4, Jazul 3, Chan 3, Tang 2, Ferriols 2, Cruz 0, Ibañes 0.
Quarters: 30-28, 60-53, 87-79, 111-103
Second Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 87—Dillinger 18, Carey 17, Castro 13, Reyes 12, Fonacier 11, Aban 6, Peek 4, Williams 3, Alapag 3.
DERBY ACE 76—Villanueva 20, Simon 18, Yap J. 13, Salvador 9, Maierhofer 6, Yap R. 4, Allado 4, Canaleta 2, Timberlake 0.
Quarters: 17-23, 44-36, 70-59, 87-76
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