Rashawn McCarthy had the hot hand Friday evening, steering the Columbian Dyip past the Blackwater Elite, 102-90, to return to the win column in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Fil-American guard shot seven three-pointers en route to 25 points, along with five rebounds, four steals, and three assists in the victory that avenged their loss to TNT KaTropa last week and improved their record to 3-2.
McCarthy was one reason why the Dyip were able to jump to a 33-18 lead early. And when the Elite fought back, the Dyip kept them at bay, and a McCarthy triple with 6:37 left to play gave them a 91-77 lead and restored order.
“Siguro ‘yung willingness niya every practice. We have shooting drills where they come off fast-game situations. I think they developed that,” said coach Johnedel Cardel of McCarthy’s shooting as he made 53-percent from the field.
“I’ve been coming early to practice, getting some extra reps just to find my rhythm. Guys are looking for me once I hit my first shot, I was really confident with the next couple of looks and just let it fly,” said McCarthy, on the other hand.
Import Khapri Alston was impressive as well, finishing with 24 points and 20 rebounds together with three assists, three steals, and a block. CJ Perez also had 24 points along with 10 boards, six dimes, two steals, and two blocks.
Blackwater’s loss spoiled the debut of import Aaron Fuller, who was activated in lieu of Marqus Blakely. The former NLEX Road Warriors reinforcement led the Elite with 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
“He scored 26, grabbed 10, issued three assists, no turnovers, one steal and two blocks. For an import to play in his first game, okay ako dun,” said coach Aris Dimaunahan. “Masakit lang is we didn’t get the job done of getting the win.”
Ray Parks had 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting and had seven turnovers in the loss that sent Blackwater to 1-3.
Both squads will see action again on October 16, Wednesday, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Columbian will take on NLEX Road Warriors (4-1) at 4:30 p.m., as Blackwater will battle Magnolia Hotshots (3-2) at 7:00 p.m.
The Scores:
Columbian 102 – McCarthy 25, Perez 24, Alston 24, Celda 12, Tiongson 8, Corpuz 5, Cahilig 2, Gabayni 2, Gabriel 0, Calvo 0, Flores 0.
Blackwater 90 – Fuller 26, Parks 21, Maliksi 9, Sumang 7, Belo 7, Al-Hussaini 6, Cortez 5, Cruz 5, Digregorio 3, Javier 1, Dario 0, Desiderio 0.
Quarterscores: 28-18, 49-42, 77-67, 102-90.
