Tigers, Texters stay at helm

MANILA, Philippines - Gary David put on another shooting clinic last night to lead Powerade past Meralco, 94-82, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The league’s scoring champion waxed hot with 29 points in the import-spiced conference as Powerade moved on top of the standings with a perfect 2-0 record.

David has been on a roll since the Philippine Cup where he carried Powerade into the finals. The Tigers, however, ended up as runners-up to Talk n Text.

The Texters joined the Tigers at 2-0 following a 110-98 win over the Alaska Aces in the second match of the day.

David has now scored at least 24 points in his last 15 games for the Tigers. Against Rain or Shine last Feb. 17, he exploded for 32 points.

The Bolts could only watch as David hit baskets from everywhere, and ended up with their third setback in four games in this short conference.

Marcio Lassiter made it more difficult for the Bolts with his 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Powerade import Dwayne Jones was held to 15 points.

David and Lassiter made up for the below-par performance of their import who came up with 34 points and 21 rebounds in the two-point win over Rain or Shine.

Powerade’s early surge comes amid the talks that the franchise is about to go.

“But our acting governor (Ronald Asuncion) said we’re here to win the championship. So, we have to do that,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

“We’re here to stay and win the championship, and it’s a tall order,” he added.

The Bolts knew whom to check heading into the game, and still they found no answer against the sweet-shooting David.

Meralco led early and after slowing down it made a push early in the third and fourth quarters. But it was not enough to turn the tide back to its favor.

The Bolts brought in Earl Barron to replace Jarrid Famous. But the seven-footer who played for Red Bull in 2005 failed to provide the key.

The Tigers unleashed an 18-5 attack in the third period for a 68-62 lead. The Bolts took their last taste of the lead at 71-68.

Barron wound up with 22 points but was limited to just seven in the second half while Solomon Mercado, pulled out of the injury list, only had three points.

The scores:

First Game

Powerade 94 – David 29, Lassiter 19, Jones 15, Casio 14, Anthony 9, Kramer 8, Martinez 0, Vanlandingham 0, Allera 0, Cruz 0, Adducul 0, Crisano 0.

Meralco 82 – Barron 22, Espinas 19, Cardona 13, Borboran 9, Macapagal 6, Artadi 6, Mercado 3, Ross 2, Taulava 2, Hugnatan 0.

Quarterscores: 20-25, 42-47, 68-68, 94-82

Second Game

Talk n Text 110 – Castro 20, Fonacier 20, De Ocampo 19, Dillinger 17, Williams 13, Samhan 6, Carey 5, Peek 4, Gamalinda 2, Aguilar 2, Alapag 2.

Alaska 98 – Thoss 22, Parada 18, Tenorio 18, Baguio 18, Eman 10, Baracael 8, Custodio 4, Salamat 0, Reyes 0, Gonzales 0.

Quarterscores: 27-25, 62-48, 83-78, 110-98