BLACKWATER proved to be too much for Kia Picanto last nigt as it pulled off a masterful 118-97 victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Elite got back to their winning ways and improved to a 4-4 record, while leaving Picanto still winless after eight starts in the season-ending conference.
Henry Walker provided the firepower Blackwater needed to bounce back from its heartbreaking 96-177 loss to Talk N Text that snapped the Elite’s franchise-best three-game winning streak.
Walker exploded for 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Blackwater’s offense.
JP Erram and Mike DiGregorio, on the other hand, led the locals’ contribution, finishing with 16 points apiece.
Elite coach Leo Isaac noted that a change of pace and intensity were the biggest factors in their blowout win.
“We noticed we lacked energy against Talk ‘N Text and ‘energy’ was the word we needed in this game,” Isaac said. “And true enough, we showed good energy offensively and defensively, and dictated tempo for most of the game.”
And the energy Isaac was referring to became evident right from the start that saw them score their most points in a quarter (40) and in a half (70) in franchise history as they led by almost 50 points to cruise to the blowout victory.
Blackwater also spoiled the debut of new Kia import Geron Johnson, who led the Picanto with 28 points.
The Elite were all-business last night, demolishing the Picanto’s defense as they drilled six out of seven triples in the opening frame to establish a 29-13 lead.
Blackwater ended the first period with a 40-21 lead.
Meanwhile, the PBA will honor the two National teams on Sunday for making its mark in the recent Southeast Asian Games and FIBA Asia Cup.
PBA Commissiner Chito Narvasa will preside over the brief and simple ceremony at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“These two teams made us proud. They showcased their ability in the face of adversity and, in the process achieved an incredible milestone in the SEA Games and the FIBA Asia Cup,” said Narvasa.
“What our Gilas Pilipinas achieved speaks well of their great character and passion to represent the country. And for that were are thankful,” added Narvasa, who also commended the other people involved with the National team.
The scores:
Blackwater (118) – Walker 25, DiGregorio 16, Erram 16, Canaleta 13, Banal 12, Sumang 9, Pinto 8, Gamalinda 7, Belo 6, Pascual 4, Sena 2, Cruz 0, Miranda 0.
Kia (97) – Johnson 28, Paniamogan 17, Yee 14, Corpuz 11, Khobuntin 8, Elorde 5, Celda 4, Salva 4, Deutchman 3, Revilla 2, Camson 1, Caperal 0, Jaime 0, Nimes 0, Ballesteros 0.
Quarterscores: 40-21, 70-31, 96-62, 118-97.
Game today
(AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center)
5 p.m. – Alaska vs. San Miguel