COLUMBIAN Dyip ain’t running out of surprises.
In yet another surprising performance, the Dyip pulled off another upset win, stunning erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine, 104-96, for an impressive victory in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.
Columbian reinforcement John Fields finally showed what he is capable of in his second game, leading his team with a game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds.
“The big difference was energy. Our 34-point loss the last time was embarrassing, we wanted to bounce back strong,” described Fields of his team’s mindset for the game.
The rising backcourt duo of Rashawn McCarthy and Jerramy King bounced back and found their stroke again, providing help to Fields.
McCarthy scattered 23 points, six rebounds and four assists, while King was the third guy in twin-digits, scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Columbian dealt Rain or Shine its first setback, sending it down to 3-1 while the Dyip improved to 3-2.
The Dyip’s early surge gave it an 11-point lead, 58-47, late in the first half after a three-point play from McCarthy at the 1:20 mark of the second quarter.
The Elasto Painters, however, ended the opening half with a 6-0 run to trim their deficit to only five, 53-58, at the turn and get themselves back in the game.
In fact, Rain or Shine stayed close and within striking distance the rest of the way but was still unable to be a threat down the stretch as Columbian Dyip kept it off bay with critical baskets, keeping the lead until the final horn.
It seems like Columbian has Rain or Shine’s number as the Elasto Painters was also the only team that the Dyip defeated in its campaign last Philippine Cup.
Reggie Johnson led Rain or Shine with his own double-double of 30 points and 17 boards.
The scores:
COLUMBIAN 104—Fields 34, McCarthy 23, King 13, Cahilig 8, Lastimosa 7, Celda 7, Tubid 4, Cabrera 3, Sara 2, Corpuz 2, Camson 1, Escoto 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 96—Johnson 30, Daquioag 17, Almazan 16, Tiu 9, Belga 7, Norwood 6, Yap 4, Ahanmisi 3, Torres 3, Nambatac 1, Washington 0.
Quarterscores: 31-28, 58-53, 82-80, 104-96.