KUALA LUMPUR—Carlo Lastimosa provided the much-needed spark off the bench as Blackwater thumped Chinese Taipei-Dacin Tigers, 80-71 to salvage fifth place in the 2016 Seri Mutiara Champions Cup Sunday at the MABA Stadium.
The six-foot Lastimosa banged in 13 of his team-high 20 points in the last period, where the Elite managed to pull away after engaging in a neck-and-neck battle with the Taiwanese.
The vastly-improved shooting guard’s floater in traffic with 40 seconds left to play gave Blackwater a 78-70 cushion.
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said the team’s experience playing against Asian club teams with big imports will serve the team well since the Elite are looking forward to coming out strong in next season’s Philippine Cup.
“Maganda itong tournament na preparasyon para sa next season namin,” Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said.
The Elite concluded their campaign with an even 2-2 card overall.
They registered their first win at the expense of Australia Perth Cockburn Cougars, 73-64 at the close of the preliminary round on Friday night.
Newly acquired forward Raymond Aguilar finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while starting slotman James Sena added 17.
Rookie Art Dela Cruz chipped in 10 points and six steals, to go along with five assists.
Blackwater is expected to bolster its roster as it is set to pick first in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft set on Oct. 30.
The Elite, who only won seven games in the 41st season, will also be picking first in the special draft, which will feature members of Gilas 5.0 led by Mac Belo, Miko Tolomia, Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Roger Pogoy, Russell Escoto, among others.