Columbian plows through NLEX with 20-point stunner

The 2018 Commissioner’s Cup is still in its early goings, but the Columbian Dyip have probably earned one of their biggest wins of the conference.

The Dyip zoomed past the debuting NLEX Road Warriors, 123-103, to collect their second win in three games this week, Saturday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

“I am in awe with what our players have done today,” shared Dyip head coach Ricky Dandan. “This is just our second win but I hope you understand where we are coming from. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Import CJ Aiken looks like he has found security with his job, pouring in 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting along with 10 rebounds and four blocks to lead the Dyip’s well-deployed attack.

“I’m satisfied with the way CJ played today,” added Dandan.

Reden Celda produced a career-high 26 points with four boards and four dimes. Jerramy King continues to impress with 23 points, while Eric Camson and Rashawn McCarthy each scored 13.

McCarthy was just a rebound short of a triple-double, as he had nine rebounds and 12 assists.

The Dyip started to gain leverage in the second frame, unloading a 16-4 scoring spree — ended by Russel Escoto’s jumper — to turn a 33-all deadlock into a 49-37 cushion with 5:23 on the clock.

With NLEX playing out of character, the Dyip then took advantage and led by as much as 23 points, 123-100, thanks to King’s three-pointer inside the game’s final minute to seal the deal.

“It’s NLEX and its Coach Yeng [Guiao]. We expected a grind like our first two games,” remarked Dandan, who admitted he was surprised that they went on to win with a lopsided result.

Adrian Forbes led NLEX with 26 points and 17 rebounds with five blocks. JR Quiñahan backed him up with 20 points, and Larry Fonacier was all around with 12 points, seven boards, and six feeds.

Cyrus Baguio and Juami Tiongson scored 11 and 10 markers, respectively.

Both teams will play on May 4, Friday, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The Dyip will play first at 4:30 PM versus the Alaska Aces, while the Road Warriors will battle the Meralco Bolts at 7:00 PM.

The Scores:

Columbian 123 – Aiken 28, Celda 26, King 23, Camson 13, McCarthy 13, Corpuz 6, Escoto 5, Khobuntin 4, Sara 3, Tubid 2, Lastimosa 0, Cabrera 0.

NLEX 103 – Forbes 26, Quiñahan 20, Fonacier 12, Baguio 11, Tiongson 10, Ravena 9, Soyud 8, Taulava 5, Miranda 2, Buenafe 0, Rios 0, Monfort 0, Ighalo 0.

Quarterscores: 33-21, 62-50, 95-80, 123-103.