Columbian Dyip wins Comm’s Cup opener
With another name change, the Columbian Dyip were hoping for fresh start for the franchise. That's exactly what they got when they took a 12698 opening day victory over the Blackwater Elite in the 2018 Honda PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the SmartAraneta Coliseum.
Defense was the big key in the Columbian win. They suffocated Blackwater and forced them to 33 turnovers. The Dyip capitalized by scoring 44 points off of those.
Import CJ Aiken proved to be a forced on the defensive end. He finished with 22 rebounds, six steals and two blocks. But he was limited to nine points.
"In terms of his role for us, his inside presence and his rebounding, CJ was okay," Columbian head coach Ricky Dandan affirmed. "But we need him to be more aggressive, especially when he goes up against bigger imports."
Aiken passed on the scoring responsibilities to his local teammates.
Recently acquired Jerramy King, found his rhythm early on and had 14 points in the first half. The former Rain or Shine Elasto Painter continued his tear and finished with a team-high 30 points. He teamed up with Rashawn McCarthy who chipped in 21 markers.
"Rashawn is a natural scorer. We needed another point guard, so we searched the free agent market and found Jerramy," Dandan said.
Behind their new backcourt tandem, Columbian's lead grew to 20 points in the third quarter. Blackwater showed resurgence in the fourth quarter to trim the deficit to nine points. But the Dyip resisted the comeback and reestablished a commanding advantage.—
ESPN5