By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
OPENING their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup campaign in grand fashion, the Columbian Dyip look to build on it when the team returns to action today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
To take on the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters in the curtain-raiser at 4:30 p.m., the Dyip shoot for their second win in as many games, in follow-up to their 124-118 victory over the powerhouse defending champions San Miguel Beermen on Jan. 18.
Columbian came out steady in their last game, banking on balanced attack that took the Beermen by surprised.
It was a tightly fought contest all the way to the end, but the Dyip rose to the challenge and executed down the stretch on both ends of the court to hold on for the victory.
Top rookie pick CJ Perez overcame a slow start to help Columbian to the win with 26 points, five rebounds and a block in 32 minutes on the floor.
Jackson Corpuz added 21 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while Jay-R Reyes had 12 markers.
Also scoring in double digits for the Dyip were Russell Escoto and Eric Camson who each had 11 points.
“I did not expect to win against San Miguel although I felt good heading into the game because we prepared way ahead and I saw the desire in my players,” said Columbian coach John Cardel following their upset win.
“I just told the boys to just apply what we do in practice and they delivered. I’m very proud of them. They played well,” he added.
The Columbian coach went on to say that they hope to build on their confidence-boosting victory over San Miguel in their game against Phoenix today.
“We caught a big fish in San Miguel and hopefully it can lift us moving forward. Phoenix is going to be another tough challenge for us on Wednesday,” Mr. Cardel said.
PHOENIX RISE
Meanwhile, out to derail Columbian in its thrust is Phoenix (2-0), a team looking to sustain its fast start as well in the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament.
The latest of the Fuel Masters’ victory came last Saturday over the TNT KaTropa, 93-84, in overtime.
It was another dig-deep win for Phoenix, which outplayed TNT in the extra period to survive and win.
Matthew Wright paced the Fuel Masters with 23 points while Alex Mallari adding 15 points.
Calvin Abueva had a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds to go along with four steals while Jason Perkins had 11 points and 15 boards.
The first win of Phoenix also came by way of overtime, 93-92, over the Meralco Bolts on Jan. 16.
Playing in the 7 p.m. main game, meanwhile, are the TNT KaTropa and NLEX Road Warriors.
Both teams are still in search of their first win in the ongoing tournament after opening their respective bids with back-to-back losses.