ABU Tratter (right) and Alaska struggle against the defense of Columbian. ROMAN PROSPERO

Columbian spoiled the coaching debut of Jeffrey Cariaso as it ran over Alaska, 117-110, in the opening salvo of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Import Khapri Alston caught fire while CJ Perez provided support for the Dyip, who had a great performance against an Alaska squad that was obviously struggling under a new system.

Alston erupted for 38 points and 22 rebounds in a scorching 63 percent from the field while Perez, who is still fresh from a stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, submitted 28 points and 13 rebounds.

“One thing I can say is that we have a really good import, he can post, he can score, he can pass, he’s very smart. And even if he’s just 6-foot-3 and a half, he plays like he 6-foot-10,” said Columbian head coach Johnedel Cardel.

With Alston spearheading the attack, the Dyip erected an 11-point lead, 107-96, in the final two minutes.

Import Justin Watts refused to lose, putting the Aces back into the game 101-107, but they ran out gas as the Dyip were able to hang on to an impressive victory.

Watts delivered 40 points and 14 rebounds while Abu Tratter posted 15 points, nine rebounds and three steals in his first game with the Aces.

Meanwhile, NLEX rolls out the red carpet for star playmaker Kiefer Ravena when it takes on Phoenix today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Action is set at 4:30 p.m. with the Road Warriors expected to go full blast with Ravena back in the fold following a long 18-month suspension.

Also looking to make a strong first impression is Meralco, which battles Magnolia at 7 p.m.

After finishing dead last in the Commissioner’s Cup with only three wins in 11 games, hopes are high on Road Warriors as they beefed up their backcourt wit quality talents who can respond to Yeng Guiao’s high-octane offense.

Ravena, who will play his first professional game following a long suspension, will serve as ringleader with Jericho Cruz as sidekick. Of course, Kevin Alas has yet to play, but Guiao hinted that he is set to return any time this month.

“The expectations for us this conference is higher,” said Guiao, who is also coming off a stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, a tournament he considers as the highlight of his storied coaching career.

“Kiefer will be able to play while Kevin is coming back maybe in a month’s time. Jericho and Poy (Erram) are also playing well with the team as well.”