Powerade Wednesday night debuted with aplomb in the PBA Philippine Cup, as Gary David scored 25 points in leading the overhauled Tigers to a 111-103 decision of Rain or Shine on the second day of eliminations at the Araneta Coliseum.

Running at every chance and gang-rebounding to offset their disadvantage in size, the Tigers led practically the whole game and won one against a squad that did a lot of beefing up in the offseason.

And though the Tigers committed 33 turnovers, Perasol didn’t sound at all alarmed, believing it’s the only way for them to go if they want to truly change the way they play.

“I was kind of worried that we committed so many turnovers,” Perasol told reporters later. “But this was the tradeoff of the kind of philosophy we would like implemented in the team, and that is to run.” With Asi Taulava dealt away to newcomer Meralco in one of the most lopsided trades in years, the Tigers definitely had a different face and played with different zest as four others scored 10 or more with Mark Macapagal scattering 19.

And at least his first game, Perasol has made his critics eat their words, especially those who said that he should have kept Taulava or at least get talents worthy vice the 6-foot-9 man-mountain.

“When we had the chance of getting the players to implement that philosophy, then by all means,” Perasol added. “For as long as I am coach of this team, I will do everything in my power to take out those players (who can’t play according to my philosophy).

“Whether I win or lose as a coach, it is my responsibility.” David, the leading local scorer last year, made all but five of 16 attempts from the floor and anchored the Powerade offense that netted 29 total points off turnovers.

Larry Rodriguez, another player Perasol gave up in the offseason, paced the Elasto Painters with a career-high 23 points that went with 10 rebounds.

Doug Kramer, another addition to the Rain or Shine lineup, also had a career game with 19 points with Gabe Norwood shooting 17 that was topped by a night-high five steals.

Rain or Shine, whose goal this season it to make it past the quarterfinals for the first time in franchise history, played without Jay-R Reyes, its 6-foot-7 forward who underwent heel surgery last week.

Meanwhile, Harvey Carey scored 17 points and cleared the same number of boards later in the night and led Talk ‘N Text to a clinical 87-76 dismantling of defending champion Derby Ace.

Jared Dillinger paced the Tropang Texters with 18 markers and three others added double figure scores for coach Chot Reyes, who missed do-it-all forward Ranidel de Ocampo.

De Ocampo, who won the statistical points derby in the last Fiesta Conference, will be out for the rest of the elimination round after undergoing surgery to remove spurs from both ankles.

Jonas Villanueva, acquired by the Llamados from San Miguel, led Derby Ace with 20 points coming off the bench with reigning MVP James Yap, despite wearing a mask to protect his nose, shooting 13.

Peter June Simon, in a rare start at the off-guard spot, had 18 for the Llamados with Rico Maierhofer, the only big man left in the Derby Ace lineup with injuries to Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Rommel Adducul, had 13 rebounds that went with six points.

“It felt like a gang war out there,” Reyes said during the post-game interview. “We love the new rules. We just have to make sure that there is a fine line allowing physical play. I like the physical plays, but the one thing we have to worry about is not going past that fine line.

Larry Fonacier had 11 points and Ali Peek ripped off 13 boards for Reyes.