LA SALLE’S stellar rookie class lived up to its billing while Ray Parks came through in the clutch for National University as the two squads survived separate thrillers yesterday at the start of Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
Filipino-American Jason Perkins debuted with a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds as the Green Archers rallied to hack out a 73-67 decision of the University of Santo Tomas Tigers.
Parks knocked in 23 points—including a triple from the right wing with 2.5 seconds left that forged overtime—to lift the Bulldogs past the NCAA champion San Beda Lions, 73-71, in the first game at Filoil Flying V Arena.
“This season is for my dad, I dedicate my game to him,” said Parks, who wore the No. 22 jersey in memory of his late father, seven-time Best PBA Import Bobby Parks.
Parks scored four of the Bulldogs’ nine points in the extra period, while Cameroonian center Alfred Aroga also delivered with 16 points, 12 rebounds and a block.
Perkins fueled a 15-5 windup in the final five minutes as the Archers downed the Tigers, last season’s UAAP finalists.
Gabby Reyes added 13 points while Jeron Teng and Almond Vosotros scored 10 each for the Archers, who overcame the hot shooting of UST veterans Jeric Teng (31 points) and Aljon Mariano (28 points). With a report from Randolph Leongson
The scores:
First Game
NU 73–Parks 23, Aroga 16, Rosario 12, Roño 6, Neypes 6, Alejandro 5, De Guzman 2, Javillonar 1, Javelona 1, Labing-isa 1, Villamor 0, Khobuntin 0.
SAN BEDA 71–Dela Rosa 14, Adeogun 14, Dela Cruz 13, Pascual 12, Koga 7. Amer 5, Abarcar 4, D. Semerad 2, Mendoza 0, Ludovice 0, A. Semerad 0, Sara 0, Solera 0.
Quarters: 11-13, 23-29, 43-45, 64-64 (reg.), 73-71 (OT)
Second Game
LA SALLE 73—Perkins 17, G. Reyes 13, Teng 10, Vosotros 10, N. Torres 6, T. Torres 4, Tampus 4, Montalbo 3, Van Opstal 2, Bolick 2, Haruna 2, Andrada 0, Paredes 0, M. Reyes 0.
UST 67—Teng 31, Mariano 28, Abdul 3, Marata 3, Ferrer 2, Daquioag 0, Pe 0, Lo 0, Sheriff 0, Bautista 0, Hainga 0, Tan 0, Vigil 0.
Quarters: 10-16, 34-34, 51-57, 73-67