By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — Columbian scored the first upset of the 2019 season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after pipping San Miguel, 124-118, on Day 3 of the Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay on Friday night.
Behind the hot hands of top draft pick CJ Perez and veteran Jack Corpuz, the Dyip pulled off a 17-7 run to overturn a 100-106 deficit into a 117-113 lead, while free throws down the stretch helped them complete the upset against the Beermen.
“I saw that the boys, they are willing to change their attitude than the last conference,” said Coach John Cardel, whose Columbian side was at the bottom of the standings last Governors’ Cup.
Perez scored 26 points, 24 coming in the second half, while Corpuz added 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Dyip.
Arwind Santos put up a career-high 34 points and seven rebounds for the Beermen.
In the nightcap, James Yap turned back Father Time to lead Rain Or Shine over NLEX, 96-87.
Yap fired 11 points in the pivotal second quarter, where the Elasto Painters took over from the Road Warriors, and finished with 20 points. “James stepped up big time,” said ROS head coach Caloy Garcia.
Javee Mocon added 13 points and five rebounds in just 18 minutes in his PBA debut.
“From his San Beda days, he showed (na) malakas ang katawan niya at kayang makipagsabayan (he is strong and competitive). The nice thing is that he doesn’t stop working hard,” Garcia said.
JR Quinahan put up 19 points, while Kevin Alas chipped in 12 in his comeback game and Poy Erram made 10 in his NLEX debut.
