Big win against SMB shows Columbian ‘can compete at this level’

MANILA, Philippines – Their huge victory over San Miguel Beer on Sunday night may just be what Columbian Dyip needs to take their game to the next level for the remainder of the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The Dyip pulled off a hard-earned 134-132 overtime triumph over the Beermen on Sunday night, out-executing the veteran team down the stretch, thanks to huge games from import Lester Prosper, veteran guard Rashawn McCarthy, and rookie star CJ Perez.

It was only their second win of the conference against six defeats, but it marked the second straight time this season that they had taken down the mighty San Miguel squad.

"It's a big win, it's a big win. It just shows us that we can compete at this level," said McCarthy, who had 27 points and 14 assists in the win, while shooting 12-of-17 from the field.

McCarthy was instrumental in the victory, nailing a crucial triple in overtime to help Columbian gain separation, while also setting up the dagger three-pointer by Glenn Khobuntin with under a minute left to play.

The guard won't deny that he had an extra pep in his step against SMB – the team that drafted him in 2016 before shipping him to the Columbian franchise.

"That's my former team, you know I'm friends with those guys, so I'm always excited to play against them and I was able to make some shots today," he said.

What makes the victory all the more important for McCarthy is that they pulled it off without several of their key players. Columbian played without Reden Celda and JP Calvo, two integral parts of their rotation, while Jerramy King is still working his way back to full fitness after a knee injury.

McCarthy was challenged by head coach John Cardel to take charge of the squad, and the veteran guard was eager to respond.

"Of course, I'm one of the older guys on the team, so they wanted me to be a leader, and it wasn't just me. CJ played well, Lester played well. We were able to get over the hump today," he said.

As big of a win as it was, however, the Dyip cannot celebrate it too much, and McCarthy knows it. They still only have a 2-6 win-loss record, and a spot in the playoffs may be out of reach for them.

"We just gotta be patient and trust each other more on the court, and just continue to learn and build," said Mc

Carthy.

Their own coach acknowledged that they got some breaks down the stretch of the game, but is also hopeful that the win will give Columbian Dyip the momentum it needs entering the final part of its schedule.

"Sana, this gives the boys more motivation na we can beat anybody if we play together," he said.