Perkins, Ferrer spearhead wins for respective PBA D-League teams

MANILA, Philippines – Caida continued to flex its muscle, this time blasting AMA University late to take a 103-84 victory and remain unbeaten in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Tuesday, January 26, at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Leaning on the efforts of top pick Jason Perkins and Jonathan Grey, the Tile Masters closed the game out on a 22-6 tear to secure the win.

Perkins fared better in his second game, pouring 9 of his team-high 16 points in the payoff period and also grabbing 5 rebounds. Grey filled up the stat sheet with 11 markers, 6 boards, 5 assists, and two steals. Joseph Terso also had 12 points in the win.

“We were lucky that this was AMA’s first game and the first half was a learning process for them,” said Caida coach Caloy Garcia. “The nice thing is the players don’t lose their confidence and they worked hard for it.”

Caida lost its 17-point edge, 57-40, as the Titans crawled back and cut the lead down to 81-78 midway in the fourth thanks to Jerramy King, Gab Dagangon, and Rashawn McCarthy.

But the Tile Masters answered back with the back-breaking run to cruise to their second straight win to start the conference.

McCarthy led AMA with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while King had 14 markers, 5 boards, and 4 assists.

Dagangon and Jammer Jamito both had 10 points in the defeat.

In the second game, UP-QRS/JAM Liner cruised to a 102-86 victory against Tanduay to likewise preserve its immaculate slate.

Kevin Ferrer captained the balanced attack with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Paul Desidero added 16 points, as the Maroons slowly pulled away from the Rhum Masters.

“We just play the game and enjoy it. There’s no pressure because other teams are strong too. We will continue to work hard every game,” said Ferrer in Filipino.

Sustaining a 10-point cushion throughout the second half, UP turned a tight game into a blowout late on a 15-4 run for a 21-point lead, 98-77, in the final two minutes of the game.

“The team has not shown its full 100%, but at around 80% the new members of the team are already blending in. Our defense is something they’re already perfecting,” said UP-QRS/JAM Liner coach Bert dela Rosa in Filipino.

Michole Sorela also got 12 points and 7 boards for UP, while Kyle Neypes wound up with 12.

Ryan Wetherell once again led Tanduay with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, but his efforts still weren’t enough to save the Rhum Masters from losing their second straight game.

Scores:

Game 1:

CAIDA (103): Perkins 16, Terso 12, Grey 11, Jalalon 10, Javier 9, Robles 9, Nambatac 8, Cabrera 6, Lozada 6, Maiquez 6, Pascual 5, Pasculado 3, Corpuz 2, Gabawan 0.

AMA (84): McCarthy 16, King 14, Dagangon 10, Jamito 10, Romero 8, Tampus 8, Balucanag 7, Dela Cruz 5, Sargent 4, Hernandez 2, Arambulo 0, Carpio 0, Castro 0, Jordan 0.

Quarter scores: 34-21, 52-40, 74-65, 103-84.

Game 2:

UP-QRS/JAM LINER (102): Ferrer 19, Desiderio 16, Neypes 12, Sorela 12, Aguilar 9, Soyud 9, Batino 8, Baloria 6, Moralde 6, Alolino 3, Harris 2, Asilum 0, Dario 0, Vito 0.

Tanduay (86): Wetherell 19, Eriobu 13, Gotladera 12, Celda 9, Javillonar 9, Belencion 8, Pessumal 5, Lingganay 4, Llagas 4, Koga 3, Santos 0, Tagarda 0.

Quarter scores: 21-13, 37-34, 74-63, 102-86.

– Rappler.com