Proving it has the ability of bouncing back, Blackwater regained its touch and rhythm to wallop Rain or Shine, 98-92, and get back on track in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City last night
Five Blackwater cagers scored in double-digits for a well-balanced attack.
Allein Maliksi had a team-high 19 points, while Bobby Ray Parks Jr. scattered 16 markers as the duo led their team in scoring.
Alex Stepheson provided the muscle inside, producing another double-double of 13 points and 20 rebounds.
The Elite now own a 4-1 record, second best in terms of percentage but first in number of wins, while the Elasto Painters remained winless as they fell to 0-2.
Leading for most part of the contest, the Elite dictated the tempo, seized command late in the first quarter and never looked back.
Blackwater ended the opening quarter on a 12-0 run to turn a five-point deficit into a 24-17 advantage heading into the second canto.
The Elite continued to work their way in the second, extending their lead to double-digits, 50-40, at the turn and gain control.
By the end of the third, Blackwater, with its continued onslaught, was already ahead by 16, 76-60.
The Elite remained in firm control in the fourth and held on despite Rain or Shine’s last-ditch effort.
Trailing by twin-digits for most of the second half, the Painters had a mini 5-0 run to trim their deficit to seven, 81-88, entering the final minute.
However, key baskets by the Elite down the stretch shut the door and preserved their victory despite Rain or Shine tightening the gap in the final tally.
The Elasto Painters were led by Denzel Bowles, who was the high-point man with 27 points and six rebounds.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Pulse (1-0) looks to stay unbeaten as it is currently facing an acid test from TNT KaTropa (2-1) in the nightcap, as of this report.
