THERE WAS NO Jvee Casio for Powerade but usual suspect Gary David was there to lift the Tigers to a 98-87 win over the debuting Shopinas.com Clickers last night in the newly opened 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
David provided the Tigers with the needed scoring to help the Tigers take off to a rousing start in the season-opening tournament.
David erupted for 31 points as he made up for the absence of top rookie Casio, who decided to sit out a sore left knee.
Veteran pointguard Celino Cruz pitched in 15 points, while new recruits Josh Vanlandingham and fourth overall pick Marcio Lassiter added 14 and 10 points, respectively.
On paper, the Clickers seemed to lack the needed power and it showed in this game.
Renren Ritualo scored 19 points but James Sena and Jojo Duncil were the only other Clickers to score in double figures with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
The loss spoiled the debut of the Clickers as well as Franz Pumaren’s first game as a PBA coach.
The Tigers, on the other hand, joined the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the top with similar 1-0 (win-loss) slates.
Powerade dominated the game right from the opening tip, jumping to a huge 37-16 lead after the first period.
The Clickers moved within 42-55 at the bend and further trimmed the deficit, 79-71, heading into the final period. The Clickers, however, couldn’t get any closer.
BOX SCORES
POWERADE (98)- David 31, Cruz 15, Vanlandingham 14, Lassiter 10, Antonio 8, Lingganay 6, Kramer 6, Anthony 4, Calimag 4, Adducul 0.
SHOPINAS (87)- Ritualo 19, Sena 15, Duncil 11, Mirza 9, Sison 8, Hermida 7, Espiritu 6, Jazul 6, Menor 6, Canlas 0, Canta 0, Se 0./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA