Perez, Bolick face off in BPier-Dyip match

MANILA, Philippines — NCAA rivals CJ Perez and Rob Bolick bring their rivalry over to the pros as NorthPort and Columbian Dyip clash in a keenly awaited match in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo tonight.

Both players took the pros by storm, both firing 26 points in their smashing PBA debuts.

But while Bolick and his teammates have made it two in a row, Perez and his Columbian team dropped their second game against Phoenix Pulse, unable to sustain the momentum of their 124-118 shock win over San Miguel Beer.

The Batang Pier and the Dyip clash at 4:30 p.m. then the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts collide at 7 p.m. even as the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters take a trip to Calasiao, Pangasinan where they face off in a Petron Blaze road showdown tomorrow.

Coach Pido Jarencio and his NorthPort team have taken the spotlight after their rousing victories over the Blackwater Elite (117-91) and the NLEX Road Warriors (95-90).

“Our long preparation in the offseason is a key. The team is in good condition that our guys hardly get tired in the game,” said Jarencio. “Of course, it helps that I rotate all our players, and thus they play with fresh legs throughout the match.”

Key men for Jarencio thus far are Sean Anthony, Moala Tautuaa, Stanley Pringle, Paolo Taha and Bolick.

“If our bigs can put in a little more help, much better for us,” said Jarencio.

Meanwhile, SMB and Meralco both have established a winning momentum ahead of their showdown.

The Bolts topped the Blackwater Elite, 99-94, on Saturday while the Beermen turned back the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 99-91, the following day.

The two teams currently share fourth spot with the Columbian Dyip and the Gin Kings at 1-1 after both dropped their opening game in the season.

The Beermen fell to an upset by the Dyip while the Bolts absorbed a close 92-93 loss to the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters in overtime.