FCA in rousing start, routs Powerade

MANILA, Philippines - Alfredo Gerilla scored 17 and Raffy Reyes had 15 and five assists as FCA demolished Powerade, 89-74, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FEU gym yesterday.

The Cultivators seized control in the first half and were never challenged the rest of the way to fashion out an impressive debut in Group B.

“I was surprised we won so easy. We were expecting a tough match,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco.

In the other game, the NLEX Road Warriors trounced Freego Jeans, 82-71, to share the early lead with RnW Pacific Pipes in Group A.

San Sebastian College star forward Alvin Abueva scored 18 points and rookie free agent Ogie Menor added 16 for the Road Warriors, who pulled away in the second quarter, 41-27, after leading the first quarter by just one point.

The Cultivators shot 60 percent from the field (6 of 15) in the opening period and posted a 46-30 advantage at halftime.

Alvin Padilla and Mike Gamboa each scored 14 points for the Junior Tigers, who shot poorly and lacked defensive intensity against the aggressive Cultivators.

A three-point play by Reyes made it, 53-32, three minutes into the third quarter while Gerilla gave the Cultivators their biggest lead of the game at 61-36 midway in the period.

The Cultivators take a two-week break before facing what Dysangco said could be their acid test in the tournament.

The Cultivators will play their second game on March 31 against the Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the potential contenders in this tournament.