Caida opens D-League campaign with rout of Tanduay

Jio Jalalon showed the way for Caida en route to its first win in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup. Dennis Acosta (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--Caida showed prowess in its PBA D-League Aspirants Cup debut with a 90-79 rout of Tanduay at the start of the season-opening conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Thursday.

Formerly known as the KeraMix Mixers, the Tile Masters, tagged as pre-season favorites, pulled away in the final 2:07 of the game to begin their campaign on a high note.

Jio Jalalon led Caida with 17 points, five rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and one block, while Chris Javier added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Jason Perkins, the first overall pick of the D-League Draft, tallied six points and nine rebounds in his D-League debut.

Ryan Wetherell scored a game-high 21 markers for Tanduay.

Box Scores:

Caida 90-Jalalon 17, Javier 16, Robles 14, Cabrera 9, Terso 7, Maiquez 6, Perkins 6, Lozada 4, Ruaya 4, Grey 3, Gabawan 2, Pasculado 2

Tanduay 79-Wetherell 21, Eriobu 11, Llagas 11, Celda 9, Lingganay 8, Pessumal 6, Gotladera 4, Javillonar 3, Tagarda 3, Santos 2, Cenal 1, Belencion 0

Quarterscores: 28-23, 50-46, 64-62, 90-79

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno