Khapri Alston exploded for 38 points. PBA Media Group |
By Xy-Zha Cabanlong
PASAY CITY - It is a good start PBA Governors' Cup for the Columbian Dyip as they defeated the Alaska Aces, 117-110, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.
Capri Austin combined forces with CJ Perez to seal the first victory of the Dyip in the season-ending conference.
"We have an import that is 6'3 and a half but plays like he's 6'10. His teammates love him. They go along well after 3 weeks of practice with him," said Columbian Dyip head coach John Cardel.
The Dyip made a statement early in the first quarter with a 5-0 start.
First quarter closed out with Columbian ahead by 6; 28-22.
Alaska surged in the second quarter, taking the lead away from Columbian through the efforts of their import Justin Watts.
But Columbian just won't back down, scoring from the outside to tie the game at 56-all at halftime.
At the return of play from the halftime break, Columbian scored 6 quick points to go up, 62-56.
Columbian eventually sealed the quarter off with a 12-point advantage, 93-81.
Early in the 4th period, Noy Baclao was stretched off the playing court due to an apparent knee injury.
"It saddens me that Noy hurt himself. I don't want any of the players to get hurt. We need to see his MRI muna before we could say what knee injury and how long will he be out," said coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
Both teams went head-to-head in the fourth quarter but Columbian outsmarted Alaska by converting free throws and scoring in the outside.
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