Siomai King, Tiaong impress in D2 Super Cup opener

Encho Serrano layup for Siomai King

The Pilipinas Super League-backed D2 Super Cup in Quezon Province kicked off on Friday, with Siomai King and Tiaong MEAksyon securing the victories in the doubleheader held at the Tiaong Convention Center.

With league officials, as well as local government leaders in attendance, the two games saw contrasting outcomes, with Siomai King dispatching Antipolo San Luis Pilgrims, 119-76, followed by Tiaong defeating Gumaca Kuyas, 70-58.

Siomai King proved its mettle and depth against the Pilgrims, with all but one player getting between eleven and eighteen minutes of action. They opened with a 35-17 lead after one quarter of action, then totally broke the game open with a 33-15 third period. Stacked with players with loads of experience both in the collegiate and professional levels, Siomai King would establish a lead as large as 44 points.

Encho Serrano provided MPBL fans with a preview of what's to come with an efficient nineteen-point performance in just over fifteen and a half minutes of action. Last year's 19th overall selection in the PBA Draft is set to join an already solid Pampanga side that is yet to lose this season. PSL officials did manage to secure the team's blessing to allow Serrano participate in this week-long tournament, which offers PhP 2M to the champion.

Providing support for Serrano is his former DLSU teammate Kurt Lojera, who netted thirteen points, four rebounds, five assists, and a couple of blocks. Also producing thirteen markers are former FEU FSA Emmanuel Ojuola and Leo Najorda, with Casper Pericas and Peejay Barua also entering double figures.

In the latter game of the doubleheader, Tiaong, which is represented by student-athletes from the Mapua Cardinals, used a 29-14 third quarter outburst to fend off Gumaca.

The Kuyas hung tough in the first half, trailing 16-12 in the opening period, and managed to halve that deficit with a 16-14 second quarter. Even with them outscoring Tiaong, 16-11, in the final period, the third period doomed their performance.

Kobe Dalisay led MEAksyon with seventeen points, three rebounds, an assist, and a couple of steals. Clint Escamis padded the stat sheet with eleven points, three rebounds, a couple of assists, a steal, and a couple of blocks.