PBA PH Cup: Columbian Dyip stun Beermen behind Perez, Corpuz

Top over-all pick CJ Perez waxed hot in the second half as the Columbian Dyip shocked defending champs San Miguel in Pasay. PBA Media Bureau

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA--The Columbian Dyip engineered the biggest shocker of the new season as they pulled the rug from powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, 124-118, in the first game of Friday's PBA Philippine Cup action at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. 

Eager to bounce back from a dismal outing last season, the Dyip banked on prized rookie CJ Perez and a rejuvenated Jackson Corpuz to stun the four-time defending champs while also spoiling the debut of Terrence Romeo.

Staring at a 100-106 deficit in the middle of the payoff period, the Dyip retaliated with a 14-6 blast capped by a Perez lay-up for a 114-112 lead at the 2:40 mark. 

After a split from the line by June Mar Fajardo that trimmed the deficit to a point, Rashwan McCarthy then launched a dagger triple for a four-point cushion, 117-113, 1:08 remaining.

That proved to be the killing blow for Columbian, as it added seven free throws for the final outcome. 

“I didn’t expect na mananalo ako ngayon but I have a feeling lang na mananalo kami with the way we practiced ahead of the other teams,” said Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel after the victory.

“Nakita ko ‘yung mga boys na they are willing to change their attitude than the last conference.”

Jackson Corpuz also made way with a double-double for the Dyip. PBA Media Bureau

Perez, the top over-all pick in this year's draft, took charge in the second half with 24 of his 26 total points, while Corpuz issued a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Dyip. 

Reden Celda came off the bench for 15 points. 

Arwind Santos' career-best-tying 34 points and seven rebounds weren't enough to guide the Beermen to a win. Marcio Lassiter added 25 markers, even as Fajrado churned out 16. 

Romeo had seven points in 12 minutes off the bench before leaving the game late in the third canto with a slight sprain on his left foot. 

The scores:

Columbian 124 - Perez 26, Corpuz 21, Celda 15, Reyes 12, Camson 11, Escoto 11, McCarthy 8, Agovida 8, King 7, Calvo 3, Cahilig 2, Khobuntin 0, Faundo 0, Gabriel 0.

San Miguel 118 - Santos 34, Lassiter 25, Fajardo 16, Cabagnot 12, Nabong 11, Romeo 7, Standhardinger 6, Zamar 3, Ross 2, Pessumal 2, Tubid 0.

Quarters: 24-27, 51-54, 85-86, 124-118.

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