DJA draws 1st blood
THE Davao Jones Academy (DJA) Spunky drew first blood by beating arch-rival Emar Human and Environmental College (Ehec) Red Stags, 76-74, in the Gaisano Grand Cup Season 15 that opened over the weekend at the Gaisano Grand Citimall Sky Gym.
Reynald Juy Soliven paced DJA with 19 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds and two steals and issued five assists.
Ehec relied on Jayson Espinosa's 36 markers, mostly from beyond-the-arc.
DJA coach Jimmy Colicot, in a phone interview with Sun.Star Davao, said they focused on defense when they trailed by six, three minutes left in the game.
"I also saved my timeouts because I knew it would be very useful in the final minutes for our game plays," Colicot said in vernacular, adding that it was effective as they were able to regain the lead in the final three minutes.
But it wasn't easy as Espinosa's heroics tied the game at 74-all.
Soliven, however, took advantage of the last ball possession and scored on a jumpshot to seal the victory.
DJA aims to reach the finals despite a tough bracket that includes Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Blue Knights and Assumption College of Davao (ACD) Warriors.
"We will use our last year's achievement (reaching the semifinals) our motivation to reach the finals this year," he said.