Runaway Dyip

CJ Perez of Columbian attacks the defense of Robert Bolick of Northport during their Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup game yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. The Dyip won, 110-100. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Columbian unleashed a strong finishing kick to deal Northport its first loss, 110-100, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Friday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

After trailing for most part of the game, the Dyip launched a massive 24-5 barrage late in the third period to turn their slim 72-77 deficit into a 94-82 lead early in the final canto.

Columbian protected its lead the rest of the way en route to a big bounce back win after coming off a 98-108 loss to Phoenix last Wednesday.

With this victory, the Dyip improved to 2-1, joining the Batang Pier in the middle of the team standings early in this season-opening conference.

But more than improving its standing, Columbian’s victory also served as a fitting revenge of top overall pick CJ Perez to his collegiate rival in Robert Bolick.

Perez, whose Lyceum of the Philippines University lost to Bolick’s San Beda University twice in the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, had an inspired performance, firing 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

He also limited Bolick to just three points on 1-of-7 shooting and four turnovers, a mark that was far cry from his 20-point average in Northport’s first two games. Bolick, however, added seven rebounds, six assists and two steals to make it up for his dismal shooting.

Perez wasn’t alone in Columbian’s big win as his fellow rookies Jeepy Faundo and JP Calvo also made their marks with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Veterans Jackson Corpuz and Reden Celda also added 15 points apiece while Rashawn McCarthy and Eric Camson racked up 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the well-balanced Columbian attack.

Northport, on the other hand, failed to remain unbeaten as it just ran out of steam in the second half despite a game-high 29 points and six assists from reigning scoring champion Stanley Pringle.

Mo Tautuaa also had 23 points and 11 rebounds while last week’s PBA Press Corps Player of the Week Sean Anthony tallied 19 points and six rebounds.